Tyler Morton signs: Identifying 3 ideal Hayden Hackney replacements for Middlesbrough | OneFootball

Middlesbrough starlet Hayden Hackney has been the apple of top Premier League club's eyes for some time, as manager Michael Carrick will hope he can hang onto his key midfielder for next season.

Elite top-flight clubs such as Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United respectively have all been credited with an interest in the England youth international in the past.

And despite an injury-plagued season meant the 21-year-old could only make 21 Championship appearances, that hasn't stopped interest from mounting again ahead of the summer transfer window.

The central midfielder is contracted at the Riverside Stadium until 2027, meaning Boro will not be bullied into selling the player this summer unless they receive the compensation they desire.

But should that happen, and the club commission his exit, then Boro will have a tough task on their hands to replace him.

FLW takes a look at three potentially ideal Hayden Hackney replacements for Middlesbrough this summer.

Ao Tanaka

Fresh off the back of Bundesliga relegation play-off heartbreak with Fortuna Dusseldorf, Japanese international Ao Tanaka appears destined to leave the German second division club this summer.

The 25-year-old has admirers across European football according to Japanese news site Hochi, with one of them being fellow Championship club Leeds United.

Primarily a defensive midfielder, Tanaka has displayed his ability to be a true box-to-box midfielder, - similar to that of Hackney - with eight goals and three assists across all competitions for Fortuna last season.

He's also made 26 appearances and scored eight goals for Japan, further proving his ability and natural playmaking prowess.

With just 12 months remaining on his contract, Fortuna may be forced to cash in on their prized asset this summer, and he could be an ideal fit in Carrick's system.

Joe Rothwell

Still likely recovering from his play-off final victory, Joe Rothwell enjoyed an impressive loan spell in the second half of last season with newly promoted Southampton.

The experienced central midfielder would make 16 Championship appearances, whilst scoring four goals.

But with no deal agreed as of yet to make his move to St. Mary's a permanent one, the former England youth international is set to return to his parent club, Bournemouth.

Unlikely to earn a starting spot in the Cherries' midfield next season, the 29-year-old may well be seeking pastures new once again in the coming weeks.

Rothwell has proven he's a very tidy player at second tier level, and Middlesbrough should take an interest in obtaining his services should he become available to them this summer.

Tyler Morton

Liverpool youngster Tyler Morton has been strutting his stuff in the Championship for the last two seasons, with Blackburn Rovers and, most recently, Hull City.

The 21-year-old has already made 79 Championship appearances, as well as being handed his Premier League and Champions League debuts with parent side Liverpool.

His future at Anfield remains unclear, however, as the Reds' midfield is stacked with world-class talent, and indeed, further youngsters such as James McConnell, Bobby Clark, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are all no older than 23.

A midfielder who's always looking for the ball, Morton is often seen dropping deep to receive the ball from his central defenders, before progressing through the midfield lines with the ball at his feet in order to create attacking opportunities.

The England U21 international is a very similar player to that of Hackney, and would be an ideal replacement should Boro lose their midfield maestro this summer.

After signing a new long-term contract with Liverpool in January 2023, Liverpool are being patient with Morton, as they allow him to continue progressing as a footballer by constantly sourcing him senior football in the EFL.

Therefore, Morton may well be destined for another summer loan move, and Middlesbrough would be an ideal fit for Morton to continue his development and learn under Carrick.