Middlesbrough are bracing for a summer filled with talk surrounding an exit for star midfielder Hayden Hackney. The 23-year-old Boro academy product was in high demand last season, and recently relegated Ipswich Town had a £20 million package agreed for him, only for Hackney to turn down the move himself. Now, Hackney has hit new heights, starring in the midfield for Kim Hellberg, recording a career-high 12 goal contributions in a single term and winning the Championship Player of the Season award. With his clear Premier League quality and the fact that he has just one year remaining on his Middlesbrough deal, the Redcar-born midfielder is surely set for a move to the top flight this summer. However, Boro are reportedly set to be willing to keep hold of Hackney for the final year of his deal if they don't receive an offer of £20 million from one of the various interested clubs. This decision has divided fan opinion, with some dreading the thought of one of their most saleable assets leaving for free. Others want the higher-ups at the Riverside to hold out for even more than £20 million, believing that the low estimated price would make gambling for one more year worth it. Ultimately, with just a year left on his deal, Boro would find it hard to get more than £20 million for Hackney, no matter his quality. The report could be a mere bargaining chip, designed to invoke those kinds of offers for their homegrown midfielder this summer. If Middlesbrough do opt to retain Hackney for the coming season, there's a high likelihood that Boro are powerless to lose him for free next summer. But if they do keep him, they'll have, statistically, the best player in the division over the past 12 months in their squad, who is only bound to improve due in part to his age and the full pre-season that he'll have under Kim Hellberg. Middlesbrough's transfer stance is a massive risk, but one that could pay off if they can keep Hackney and make a push for promotion. The club's fans will be eagerly waiting to see how the situation unfolds, and whether Hackney will remain at the Riverside for the upcoming season. With the transfer window now open, Middlesbrough will be looking to make some key signings to strengthen their squad, and the decision on Hackney's future will be crucial in determining their strategy. The club's manager, Kim Hellberg, will be keen to keep his star player, but the financial realities of the situation may dictate otherwise. As the summer wears on, Middlesbrough's fans will be keeping a close eye on the situation, hoping that the club can make the right decision and bring success to the Riverside.