Everton to pay close attention to key Middlesbrough clash as Hayden Hackney future in balance

Everton and Nottingham Forest are among the clubs interested in a move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney this summer.

The 23-year-old is currently injured but has enjoyed a strong season in the middle for Boro, despite their recent collapse.

Middlesbrough had been on the charge for the Championship title amid Coventry City's wobble at the start of the year, but the couple of months have brought a more significant tumble for the chasers.

Kim Hellberg's side have not won a game since the start of March, and have emerged on the winning side just twice from the last 12 games.

Everton transfer chiefs will be watching alongside Nottingham Forest as Middlesbrough attempt to save their play-off hopes against Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday.

Hayden Hackney future to be decided by Championship fate

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider earlier this month that Nottingham Forest want to sign Hackney, but the move depends on Middlesbrough's promotion hopes.

And the same can be said for the other teams hoping to sign the 23-year-old this summer, with a decision on his future not to be taken lightly.

Hackney was named Championship Player of the Season this week, and to little surprise. The midfielder has been key to Middlesbrough's promotion hopes, and his injury has been a devastating blow.

Should they be able to beat Sheffield Wednesday this week, Hellberg's team will have at least protected their place in the play-off positions for now.

But without Premier League football next season, Boro will find it incredibly hard to keep hold of Hackney.

The England youth international has been with Middlesbrough for the entirety of his career so far, having joined as a boy, but with one year remaining on his contract this summer, he is keen to take the next step.

What Hackney has said about Middlesbrough amid links away

West Ham and Ipswich Town have attempted to sign Hackney in recent years, but he has always resisted efforts to take him away from the Riverside Stadium.

The midfielder will want to play Premier League football at some point, however, and his contract situation likely depends on the season's final games.

Achieve promotion, and he may well commit his future. "The club means everything to me – that’s the dream when you first get your scholarship, you go to your pro, Under-18s, Under-21s and hopefully one day you may get a chance to make it with the first team," he said this week.

"To play for Middlesbrough every weekend and then to win this award is a dream. I grew up watching this club, going to the games just a normal fan, and then being able to put on that shirt and play at the Riverside is unbelievable.

"There's a little bit more responsibility because of that, but I enjoy it. I love the pressure of it, and I just enjoy it.”

That love usually only goes so far in football, and the coming weeks could be telling.