Nottingham Forest Set Sights on Hayden Hackney Transfer

Nottingham Forest are set to move for English midfielder Hayden Hackney. The 23-year-old Middlesbrough player has emerged as a major summer target following Boro's painful Championship play-off collapse.

What happened?

Middlesbrough's injury-time defeat to Hull City crushed their hopes of a Premier League return. Hackney's campaign ended in emotionally brutal fashion, but his reputation has only continued to grow.

Why it matters for Nottingham Forest

Forest's interest in Hackney feels rooted in planning rather than panic. The potential departure of Elliot Anderson would leave a sizeable gap in midfield, particularly if Manchester City complete the widely discussed move.

What comes next?

Forest recruitment staff appreciate Hackney's technical quality, ball-carrying ability, and maturity in possession. Those attributes matter enormously in today's Premier League, where midfielders are expected to contribute both physically and tactically.

Nottingham Forest may admire Hackney, but they are far from alone. Brentford, Everton, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion, and AFC Bournemouth have all conducted scouting work on the midfielder. Middlesbrough's valuation of around £25 million reflects their belief that they possess one of the country's outstanding young midfielders.