Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has warned Middlesbrough starlet Hayden Hackney not to make the jump to a club like Tottenham too early and to continue his development at the Riverside Stadium.
Tottenham like the look of Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney
Hackney has been a regular in the Boro midfield over the last couple of years and the versatile midfielder, who can operate as a six as well as an eight, is now widely viewed as one of the most promising young players in the Championship.
It was reported by The Northern Echo last month that Spurs have had a long-standing interest in the 21-year-old, having followed him closely for a long time.
It was explained that the Lilywhites had scouted the youngster on multiple occasions last season and even allegedly considered an offer for the player during the January transfer window.
The publication suggested that Ange Postecoglou’s men could once again rekindle their interest in the Boro star this summer and give the Championship club a potential headache.
Parlour says it is too soon for Hayden Hackney to join Spurs
However, Parlour has now urged Hackney to snub interest from the Premier League and to focus on doing well for Micahel Carrick’s side.
When asked about the speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Spurs, the pundit told NetBet Casino: “You have to keep your top young talent if you want to progress. You’ve seen some of the young talent move to Premier League clubs and it not work out.
“It’s proving yourself at Championship level for a number of seasons and if you are not promoted in that team by then, the Premier League will come calling with a move for you.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Parlour’s point is a fair one as Hackney would have to prioritise regular game time at this stage of his career.
However, Postecoglou has a track record of trusting up-and-coming players and any youngster coming to Tottenham should feel that they have a good chance of being an important part of the first-team set-up.
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