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FLW spoke to Lee Hendrie to get his thoughts on Hayden Hackney's prospects in the Premier League

Hayden Hackney has become the most recent young star out of Middlesbrough to impress in the Championship and subsequently catch the eye of Premier League clubs.

And he's doing so during a somewhat breakout year. The 22-year-old is one appearance away from equaling his best league appearance tally in a Boro shirt, is enjoying the best scoring season of his career, and has captained Michael Carrick's side when both Johnny Howson and Luke Ayling are out of the starting eleven.

Thus, there has been plenty of interest from Premier League clubs surrounding the defensive midfielder - most recently coming from Aston Villa, according to the Mail Online.

And, despite his young age, ex-Villa midfielder and now EFL pundit Lee Hendrie feels he can make the step up into the Premier League.

Lee Hendrie tips Hayden Hackney to follow Morgan Rodgers' path to Villa

Not only does Lee Hendrie feel that Hayden Hackney could make the transition from the Championship into the Premier League, he also believes he could be a great addition for a Villa side competing for European places at the very top of the English game.

"He's a very good young player," Hendrie said exclusively to Football League World.

"He's proven in the Championship, and he's been one of Middlesbrough's standout players consistently.

"I think he can take that big step up [and] I'm sure Villa will be looking to bolster that midfield area, particularly if they do stay in Europe and continue to go far in cup competitions, as that's a key area for them."

Comparisons to Morgan Rogers will understandably be made if Hackney continues to be linked with Unai Emery's side after the 22-year-old winger moved to Villa Park from the Riverside in 2024.

Rodgers has been a stalwart in Unai Emery's side so far this season, starting 28 of Villa's 29 league games - with his only absence coming due to a cumulative card suspension. He's also started every game in their ongoing Champions League campaign

"Seeing what they [Aston Villa] did with Morgan Rogers, I think he'd be a great addition there," Hendrie concluded.

Hackney would have to fight for a place in Villa's midfield

In a talented Aston Villa squad, it may be rather difficult to lock down a regular place in the starting eleven for Hayden Hackney.

With the likes of Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana, and John McGinn currently occupying the defensive midfield places, it may be a case of biding his time if Hayden Hackney were to head for Villa Park in the summer.

Suppose Aston Villa were to remain in Europe in any capacity next season, though. In that case, it may provide a way for Hackney to still get regular game time and an opportunity to break into the team for more regular Premier League action.

Nevertheless, it is clear that Hayden Hackney will be able to cope at the level above, and Middlesbrough will do well to fend off any interest in the 22-year-old come the transfer window this summer.