Hellberg believes Hackney wants to stay at Boro

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg has said he believes Hayden Hackney wants to stay with the Championship club.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in the 23-year-old midfielder. A move there would reunite him with former Boro boss Michael Carrick, who is in interim charge at Old Trafford.

Tottenham and Everton have also been linked with Hackney, who has played 29 times for Boro this season.

"He's very important, of course. He's a top player and person. In every aspect of the game he's good, defensively and offensively," Hellberg told BBC Radio Tees.

"I like him very much and if I had to decide I would say he's not for sale, but it will not come down to me.

"I think he wants to stay here. You can see him being very happy with how it works, so hopefully he's with us this year and further on."

Hackney came through Boro's academy and has made a total of 142 appearances in all competitions for the club since making his debut in early 2021.

"So easily you could think about other things when you get those clubs that are after you - and they should be after him, because he's a top player," Hellberg added.

"I think he'd be able to play for a lot of Premier League teams and do good, that's how good he is."