Ykay005Aston villa have been joined by crystal palace and Tottenham in their pursuit of Middlesbrough sensation Hayden Hackney.
As a result, there is a growing feeling he will be prepared to make the step up in divisions this summer as interest in his signature continues to grow.
This comes after former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Crystal Palace scouts have been watching Hackney with a summer deal in mind.
Palace confirmed on 17 March that Dougie Freedman has left the club to take up a role overseas – but his exit is not expected to significantly derail their plans.
Unai Emery’s side have also been long-term admirers of the Boro star after Paul Robinson told Football Insider in October that Aston Villa want to sign Hackney in a buy-to-loan deal.
However, emerging interest from Villa and Palace means Middlesbrough could demand a higher fee for the midfielder in an attempt to spark a bidding war.
Michael Carrick’s side are aiming to achieve promotion from the Championship this season, but have dropped to eighth place, three points short of the playoffs.
Failure to reach the Premier League will greatly weaken their chances of keeping Hackney as top-level interest continues to grow.
ZHAKE
Qudus Salihu