Boro star sent Spurs transfer warning by Arsenal legend

Former Middlesbrough midfielder Ray Parlour has urged Hayden Hackney not to leave Teesside too soon and continue his development at Boro.

The 21-year-old has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs with a string of impressive performances in a Boro shirt. Tottenham have been reportedly monitoring his situation, with the midfielder tipped for a big future in the top flight.

Spurs are thought to be looking to add to their midfield options, with Oliver Skipp potentially on the verge of a move away, with Leeds United linked. However, with the likes of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Pape Matar Sarr already at the club, Hackney would not be guaranteed first-team football.

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Arsenal legend Parlour, who made 60 appearances in a Boro shirt after a trophy-laden career with the Gunners, feels now is not the right time for Hackney to chase a Premier League dream. Instead, he has urged the England Under-21 international to continue his developement at Boro under Michael Carrick.

If the Teessiders don't win promotion next season then he may have to make a different decision this time next summer, but for now, he is better off at Boro, according to Parlour.

“You have to keep your top young talent if you want to progress," Parlour told NetBet Casino. "You’ve seen some of the young talent move to Premier League clubs and it not work out.

“It’s proving yourself at Championship level for a number of seasons and if you are not promoted in that team by then, the Premier League will come calling with a move for you.”

Keeping hold of players such as Hackney will be crucial if Boro are to continue to progress, with Carrick's side ending the season strongly and hopeful of mounting a promotion campaign in 2024-25. Hackney endured a difficult season with injury, but still made 28 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and adding two assists.