Exclusive: Middlesbrough sent clear Hayden Hackney warning as Wolves table big offer | OneFootball

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from Middlesbrough throughout the summer window

Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney has been the subject of transfer interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Football League World exclusively revealed that the Premier League side have made a bid of £20 million plus a further £10 million in potential add-ons for Hackney, who came through the North East outfit’s academy system.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Riverside all summer and snubbed a £20 million switch to Ipswich Town earlier in the window to remain at Boro.

However, it was revealed that Hackney had informed the club that it was his desire to move to the Premier League if a top-flight offer arrived before the 7pm deadline on 1 September.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former Aston Villa midfielder, Lee Hendrie, believes that losing the midfielder would be a huge blow for Middlesbrough.

Lee Hendrie expresses Middlesbrough concern amid Hayden Hackney exit links

“Hayden Hackney is a very, very good player,” stated Hendrie. “You know exactly what you're getting with him. He's been a leader for quite some time at a young age.

“He's got a bit of everything in his game, a bit of bite. He can get forward; he can score goals. You know, he's a very level-headed footballer and a very good footballer at that.

“That's why the bids are going into Boro. Wolves are one of the sides that are pushing to sign him. He’s got potential for the future as well, which is massive for football clubs these days.

“It'll be a massive blow if this is to happen because you look at Boro’s squad, they've just had a new manager in Rob Edwards go in and this is the problem that they seem to have.

“They have players, they loan players, and then they go back, and it's all about rebuilding, restarting again. For such a big football club, I think this will be a shattering disappointment.”

Middlesbrough have a tough Hayden Hackney decision to make

Having lodged such a lofty offer for Hackney’s services, Wolves have forced Middlesbrough to make a very important choice that could have devastating consequences either way.

If Boro cash in on the 23-year-old, they lose arguably their best player, and it will be a massive blow in their push for the top six this season.

However, the fee offered by the Premier League club is substantial and would help Rob Edwards and Co. tremendously when shaping their squad in years to come.

Either outcome has its own pros and cons for Boro, and it’s difficult to predict which choice will benefit them the most in the long term.