Middlesbrough sent Hayden Hackney transfer warning as promotion race concerns are shared

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We are working hard to get it back online. []( * [News]( * [In Your Area]( * [What's On]( * [Middlesbrough FC]( * [Nostalgia]( * [Business]( * [Food & Drink]( * [Partner Stories]( * [Environment]( PRIVACY [Sport]( # Middlesbrough sent Hayden Hackney transfer warning as promotion race concerns are shared Gary Pallister is following Middlesbrough's season closely, desperate to see them back in the Premier League Share * by Craig Johns * 15:11, 25 Mar 2026 Hayden Hackney looks dejected(Image: Greig Cowie/Shutterstock) Sign up to FREE email alerts from TeessideLive - All the latest Teesside Live News sent twice a day Thank you for subscribing Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. [More info]( Thank you for subscribing Gary Pallister has warned that Middlesbrough will lose Hayden Hackney in the summer if they don’t seal promotion, with [Premier League]( clubs interested. The former [Boro]( star says he knows of at least two top flight clubs who are interested in Hackney ahead of the summer transfer window. Hackney will have just 12 months remaining on his current deal at the end of the campaign. The hope is that Kim Hellberg can guide the club back to the Premier League in the seven remaining games this season, with Boro currently sitting second. **READ MORE:[{{title}}]( **READ MORE:[Middlesbrough's promotion race predictor - find out how your final Championship table looks]( **READ MORE:[Premier League announcement could be great news for Middlesbrough's faithful travelling army]( Such an achievement should be enough to convince the proud Teessider to sign a new contract at the Riverside, having previously admitted he dreams of winning promotion and playing for his boyhood club in the Premier League. Amid a recent form slump which has seen Boro win only two of their last six, however, Pallister has shared his concerns, reminding everyone of the threat of losing Hackney should they not turn their form around to win promotion. Pallister told Teesside Live via [Boyle Sports]( "Hayden Hackney has been terrific for Boro. He's been captain when Dael Fry has not been there. I think he's going to be in the Premier League. “But whether he'd be the type of player that would be in a top five or six Premier League team, I don't know. I think he still has to prove that at that level. I don't see any of the top six teams being in for him. “But certainly, Premier League teams. I know there's been interest from two or three. I'm sure he'd love to go up with [Middlesbrough]( stay there and prove himself in the Premier League and possibly have a couple of seasons there. [CONTINUE READING]( ##### Most Read {{#articles}}[{{title}}]( “But if they don't go up, I would certainly expect him to be moving to the Premier League. And he would be fine there. “I think he's good with the ball, not afraid to carry it forward, and he offers a goal threat. He's got a good engine. As I say, I think he'll do well in the Premier League, but if you're looking at the top six teams, I think he still has a lot to prove. "I keep hearing he's the best player in the Championship, and I wouldn't argue with that. I think he's been pivotal to the success that Middlesbrough have had over the last few years, getting close to the play-offs. His ability deserves to be playing somewhere like the Premier League." Having followed Boro’s season closely, Pallister is hoping they can pick up their form after the current international break, with seven huge games remaining for Hellberg’s side. Sharing his concerns, however, the Boro legend said: "I've thought for a while that Ipswich would be the main threat, despite their inconsistencies. “Middlesbrough have struggled in games at home, like against Leicester and Bristol City, and also with the Charlton draw. We have a real problem playing against sides that sit deep when we are at home. "Middlesbrough lack a quality centre forward and I think they struggle to change their style or adapt in games, which I see as a huge problem going forward. ##### Don’t miss {{#articles}}[{{title}}]( "The promotion race is still wide open. Middlesbrough still have to play Ipswich away and Millwall at home, so it's still in their own hands. "They do play some really attractive football up until the final third, but I think at the moment they're missing a different kind of centre-forward - a physical presence up front. When you're playing with one up top, it's very difficult for them. “So, yes, I am concerned. As I say, they play some great football up until the final third, but they don't have anybody who can really get on the end of things and be that 20-goal-a-season goal scorer. "Whether that's the bit that prevents them from getting over the line and into the play-offs remains to be seen. I'll keep my fingers crossed. “I think at the moment, they're better suited to games away from home where the onus is on the home team to come forward and be the attacking threat, and they can pick them off with the football that they play. "Looking at it now and at the last few games, I think a different type of centre-forward would have been ideal for them." Show more **** _**Here at TeessideLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best**_**_[Middlesbrough FC]( and analysis.**_ Show more _**Make sure you don't miss out on the latest Boro news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking**_ _[**here**]( _**to subscribe.**_ _**Your information will be hidden, you'll only ever receive messages from the Teesside Live sports team, and you can leave any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. 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