Hayden Hackney gets Leeds United move green light but told Man Utd a big leap

While it feels now almost inevitable that the midfield star, who won Championship Player of the Year, Boro are insistent that they will only sell if their valuation is met. Everton are the first club to contact them this summer, but were said to be ‘miles off’ as far as the figures being discussed.

Manchester United have also been discussed as a potential destination, but that would be the wrong move according to a former Man United and Leeds United player, who thinks the 24-year-old would be better suited at Elland Road.

That's the verdict of Gordon Strachan, who has been discussing the future of Hackney.

"Hayden Hackney is a local boy and he's been absolutely brilliant. He takes your breath away when you watch him and he's matured in his play. People will ask if he’s for sale and really, everyone is for sale," said Strachan.

"I think he looks like a level-headed guy who goes, ‘Well, if I stay here, I stay here. And if I go, I go.’

"I hope if he does leave then it works out well for Middlesbrough, the team that is buying him, and for the player, sometimes a deal can help everybody. Middlesbrough have seen players go over the years, but they adapt and start battling again, because that's some league.

"Hackney would be a great signing for Leeds United, but it’s up to what he wants. He has been linked to Manchester United but other players like Adam Wharton already have that Premier League experience.

"I think it would be too big a leap for him to go to Old Trafford, but I might be wrong."

Gordon Strachan was speaking to Andy's Bet Club.

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