Middlesbrough adamant they will not be selling Hayden Hackney

The Teessiders are aware of mounting interest in the midfielder, who rejected the chance to join Ipswich Town in a £20m deal earlier in the summer.

While Boro have not received a new formal offer for Hackney since the talks with Ipswich broke down, there is a growing chance that a Premier League club could table a bid ahead of next Monday’s transfer deadline.

However, even if that happens, senior Middlesbrough figures have spelled out their determination to hold on to the homegrown 23-year-old.

Hackney has started the season superbly, and Boro officials regard his continued presence in Rob Edwards’ squad as a key part of their plans for the remainder of the Championship season.

The England Under-21 international has entered the final two years of his current contract on Teesside, but there is now no desire to cash in this summer.

While Finn Azaz could yet follow Rav van den Berg through the exit door this summer, with Southampton understood to be putting together an improved offer after their initial bid for the Irish midfielder was rejected earlier this month, the Boro hierarchy are determined to keep Hackney.

Boro are close to making two additions to their current squad, with Matt Targett’s season-long loan move from Newcastle United having been agreed. Targett has completed a medical, with his move set to be confirmed shortly.

The Teessiders have also made positive progress in their negotiations with Lausanne over Kaly Sene, with the Senegalese striker keen to complete a permanent move to the Riverside. While Sene has not yet undergone a medical, Boro are hoping to wrap up his transfer in the next couple of days.

If Targett and Sene are signed as planned, Boro will look to complete their summer transfer business with the addition of one more forward. Talks are currently ongoing over that proposed deal.