Catch him if you can

HACKNEY IS A HOT PROPERTY IN THE SUMMER WINDOW

- By CRAIG JOHNS [e-mail] @craig_johns

MIDDLESBROUGH are likely to face a big dilemma with regard to Hayden Hackney's future this summer, as fresh reports of interest ahead of the transfer window emerge.

Having had two bids rejected in January, Porto are said to be ready to reignite their interest. Stuttgart have been named as an interested suitor too, along with a number of unnamed Premier League clubs.

Hackney's importance to Boro was recognised this week when he received both the fan-voted Player and the Players' Player of the Year awards at the end-of-season awards.

The 22-year-old is clearly on route to the top but recently admitted his dream would be to do it with his boyhood club. But with only two years remaining on his current deal, making this summer the optimal one to sell in, and with interest likely to be high, can Boro keep Hackney?

That's the poser for our fan panel: YouTuber and talkSport journalist Phil Spencer, Boro Breakdown co-host Dana Malt, Boropolis co-founder Chris Cassidy and Twe12th Man member John Donovan.

JOHN DONOVAN

I think it’s more probable than possible that Hayden Hackney will move on in the summer, unless Boro can match his ambitions. He will have plenty of suitors after his Middlesbrough and England performances this season, and he will want to play at the highest level.

He's by no means the finished article, but the same could have been said about Marcus Tavernier, Morgan Rogers and Djed Spence.