Middlesbrough have rejected a bid from European giants FC Porto for their captain and midfield sensation Hayden Hackney, with Boro keen on ensuring their skipper remains at the club past this transfer window.
After an inconsistent start to the season, Middlesbrough have yet again established themselves as one of the best teams in the Championship, with the club currently sat in the playoff places.
Despite this success, they could be in danger of losing some star players by the end of the January transfer window, with star striker Emmanuel Latte Lath reportedly close to departing the club.
They could also struggle to keep their captain and star midfielder, Hayden Hackney, with interest from one of Europe’s finest already coming to fruition.
Hackney to Porto?
According to Keith Downie, Middlesbrough have rejected a bid from FC Porto for captain Hayden Hackney, with the club keen on securing the long-term future of their midfield star.
The bid is believed to have fallen short of the valuation Boro have on the player, and they believe Hackney will be a large part of their future plans at the Riverside Stadium.
However, with the lure of European football on the table as well as interest from the Premier League, Micheal Carrick’s side may struggle to hold on to Hackney this window.
How Important is Hackney to Boro?
With Hackney bearing the captain’s armband at the Riverside at just 22 years of age, it is clear that the club and manager Carrick have a lot of faith in the youngster’s ability.
He has proven to be one of the very best midfielders in the Championship in the last few seasons, and with him being a graduate of the Middlesbrough academy system, it is an added bonus for the club.
If he were to leave in the coming days, it could devastate Middlesbrough, with it potentially putting a large dent into any hopes of promotion to the Premier League this season.
Can They Keep Him?
Although the lure of European football at a higher level is an incredible opportunity for any young player, Middlesbrough could certainly do enough to keep Hackney.
The story of becoming the club captain after coming through the ranks at his boyhood club is one that many players dream of, and for Hackney, is already a reality.
If they can ensure that he will be a vital part of the club’s success moving forward, it may just be enough to ensure their star man will be at the club moving forward.