Middlesbrough stance on Hayden Hackney revealed as drastic measures taken amid exit talks

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All the talk around Middlesbrough right now is about Hayden Hackney’s future, and EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal how the club now feel about the young midfielder.

It’s not been a fun summer to be a Middlesbrough fan with managerial upheaval, a lack of transfer activity, and poor pre-season results leaving supporters with low expectations ahead of the new season.

Rob Edwards has managed to bring in two new signings at Middlesbrough so far, but it is high-profile departures that are stealing focus right now.

Hayden Hackney is the major story with strong interest from Ipswich Town of late. However, Hackney turned down the chance to join the Tractor Boys, and we’ve got the latest on the feelings at the Riverside amid the ongoing transfer saga.

• READ MORE: Middlesbrough legend Jonny Howson sends emotional message to fans after exit with ‘failed’ admission

Middlesbrough want Hayden Hackney to leave

Despite a £20m price tag on Hackney’s head at the start of the summer, it’s said Boro accepted a £14m offer for their star man last week.

Now, in an EFL Analysis exclusive courtesy of our Chief Football Correspondent Graeme Bailey, we understand Middlesbrough are actively pushing Hackney to make a move this summer and the player has even been told to train away from the main group in the wake of Ipswich’s approach.

While Kieran McKenna was hopeful of landing the 23-year-old, it is said Hackney is looking to play in the Premier League.

Edwards left Hackney out of his recent line-up for the friendly against Deportivo La Coruna, and it remains to be seen whether he can work his way back into the first-team set-up ahead of the start of the Championship campaign.

On the situation, Bailey said: “Hayden Hackney was being pushed to take the move, but he won’t just move for the sake of it – whilst a move this summer is very much on his radar, it needs to be right and I think he should be admired for that.

“Boro need the money and that is clear in the fact the player was told to go. I do still fully expect him to go before the end of the month.”

READ MORE: ‘Exceptional’ Middlesbrough striker target worth ‘more than’ £8.5m after 25-goal season

A summer of transition for Middlesbrough

With big players leaving and a new manager coming in, it was always going to be difficult for Boro this season. The hope now is that Edwards can recruit the players he needs to fill the gaps left behind by the likes of Hackney, while also improving on areas Michael Carrick was unable to effectively bolster.

Middlesbrough are thought to be close to signing Callum Brittain from Blackburn Rovers, which would be a great addition on the right side of defence. That’s much needed, given Luke Ayling is currently playing at right wing back.

We are told Boro hope to make a number of signings before the end of the month, too, and could complete some of those deals even before their opening clash with Swansea City next weekend.

Talks with Danny Ings are advanced and it is expected he will arrive. Boro are also hoping to seal a deal for USA international wing back Max Arfsten, and are awaiting talks with Columbus Crew after making an offer.

However, Middlesbrough will miss out on long-term target Pavel Sulc after the Czech striker agreed to join French giants Lyon. That will not come as a surprise, though, with Boro having accepted he would be beyond their reach some time ago.