Manchester United will continue to monitor Middlesbrough’s Leeds United-linked star Hayden Hackney, according to a report.
There is a growing belief the 23-year-old will be in the Premier League next season - whether Middlesbrough are promoted or not.
The midfielder is going from strength to strength at the Riverside and has been the subject of transfer speculation for the best part of two years.
However, if the Whites do indeed make a move at the end of the season, they could face high-profile competition.
Hayden Hackney is hoping to seal promotion from the Championship with Middlesbrough.placeholder image
Hayden Hackney is hoping to seal promotion from the Championship with Middlesbrough. | Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
Manchester United’s stance on Middlesbrough man
Manchester United were linked with Hackney last month and according to TEAMtalk, will keep an eye on the midfielder.
He is said to have been tracked by the Red Devils recruitment team for a long time, with staff reportedly viewing Hackney as someone with potential to be a Premier League regular.
Manchester United are currently being led by Michael Carrick, who blooded Hackney at the Riverside and nurtured him into a Championship star.
Middlesbrough held on to their most coveted asset last month but could find their resolve tested again in the summer.
Middlesbrough aiming forthe Premier League
Kim Hellberg’s men currently sit of the Championship and promotion to the Premier League may be required if Hackney is to be retained.
As reported by Teesside Live earlier this month, Hackney believes exciting times are ahead for his boyhood club.
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney is considered by some to be the Championship's best player.placeholder image
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney is considered by some to be the Championship's best player. | Nick Potts/PA Wire
He said: “The squad's looking very good now. There’s competition all over. It’s exciting times ahead. All we can do is just focus on ourselves. Give it everything and we’ll see what happens.
“There’s a good feeling around the place. At the end there, just walking around, the fans were unbelievable. We needed them, and they gave exactly what we wanted and what we needed at that time. Hopefully we can keep going.”