Why Tottenham Hotspur might hope that Middlesbrough stay in the Championship next season

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Former Tottenham Hotspur scout Mick Brown believes that recent developments could have a huge impact on the future of long-term Spurs target Hayden Hackney.

Spurs were reportedly considering a move for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney in January before they signed Conor Gallagher.

It has been suggested Tottenham could go back in for the £30m-rated Boro star in the summer window, although they may not be the only Premier League club eyeing a move for the 23-year-old.

A former Spurs official has now suggested that what has happened in the Championship over recent weeks may have a big impact on the English midfielder’s future.

Tottenham target Hayden Hackney will not stay with Middlesbrough in the Championship

When Boro were flying in the Championship, it was reported that Hackney could remain with his boyhood club in the summer if they get promoted ot the Premier League.

However, Boro are winless in their last five Championship games and have dropped down to third place, and Mick Brown believes that the midfielder is certain to leave the Riverside Stadium if the club do not get promoted.

When asked about Hackney’s future, the former Tottenham scout told Football Insider: “The Millwall loss was a big blow for Middlesbrough.”

It’s far from over yet, and it could even have changed on Monday when there’s another round of fixtures, because you never know in the Championship. But if they don’t get promotion to the Premier League, it might be impossible to keep Hackney.”

Nottingham Forest could challenge Spurs for Hackney

There have been some suggestions in the media that Michael Carrick could ask Man United to beat Spurs to Hackney’s signature this summer.

However, Brown has named Nottingham Forest as the team most likely to make a move for the Boro star, revealing that Tottenham’s relegation rivals have plenty of money to spend this summer.

Brown added: “Nottingham Forest need a midfielder, and he’s somebody they were keen on in January, they see him as probably the best midfielder in the Championship.

“So if Middlesbrough are still in the second division next season, he’s going to be keen to make the step up, and Forest would be a good destination for him.

“They’ve got money to spend and they want to improve the squad, so they’ll be keeping a close eye on what happens between now and the end of the season.”