Danny Mills offers advice to Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney amid West Ham and Tottenham links | OneFootball

Hayden Hackney’s future at Middlesbrough is very much up in the air going into this summer, with the likes of West Ham United, Liverpool, Tottenham, Man United, and Man City all linked.

Boro’s drop-off in form in recent weeks, in which they have lost three of their last four, has raised doubts over their ability to earn a play-off place this season.

A lack of promotion to the Premier League would cause questions over the future of the promising midfielder, who has reportedly been scouted by some of the biggest clubs in the top flight, such as Liverpool, Tottenham, Man United and Man City.

It also emerged earlier this month that West Ham have identified the 21-year-old as a potential transfer target.

It’s a distinct possibility that this could be Hackney’s last campaign with the Teesside outfit, having broken into the first team squad upon Michael Carrick’s appointment just last season.

Danny Mills offers Hayden Hackney advice

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, via 888sport, Danny Mills has offered advice to the in-demand youngster.

He believes Hackney should keep doing what he’s doing and told him that that the more experience he can gain this year, the more ready he will be for life in the Premier League, whether with Middlesbrough or elsewhere.

“For a player like Hackney, just continue to be consistent in your play and you will reap the rewards,” said Mills.

“Hard work is key and then the benefits will appear.

“I do think more Championship experience is needed as the leap to Premier League is big, so the more games you play at this level, the better it will be to remain playing well game after game and then you can be ready.”

Hackney has made 21 appearances for Boro so far this season, with injuries proving an issue at times (all stats from Fbref).

The midfielder is a key part of Carrick’s side, when available, and could be crucial in their bid to turn around their play-off hopes.

Middlesbrough league position

Defeats to Plymouth Argyle, Preston North End and Bristol City in recent weeks have dented their bid for a top six position.

The gap to Hull City in sixth is currently 11 points, although Middlesbrough have a game in hand on the Tigers.

Carrick’s side sit 11th in the table after 33 games, but could move up to the top half of the standings this week with a return to winning ways.

The Teesside club visits an out-of-form Stoke City on 2 March, with the Potters in the middle of a two game losing run, and pressure mounting on manager Steven Schumacher.

Hayden Hackney’s Middlesbrough departure is becoming increasingly inevitable

Hackney has been impressive for Middlesbrough this season, but the team’s overall consistency has been poor.

Considering the club came fourth in the table last year, it has been an underwhelming campaign at the Riverside.

So it would not come as a surprise if Hackney were to leave in the summer, assuming Boro fail to earn a top six finish.

The midfielder is gaining more and more experience, and his quality is attracting the attention of top clubs, so a transfer this summer is starting to feel increasingly inevitable.