Exclusive: Brighton in hot pursuit of 'the best player outside of the Premier League'
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(Credit: Imago) Fri 1 May 2026 13:45, UK Hayden Hackney is edging closer to a move to the Premier League with Brighton now looking to steal a march on Nottingham Forest, sources have told Football Insider.The 23-year-old’s performances for Middlesbrough have attracted high-profile interest as his side remain in a hotly-contested race to win promotion from the Championship.Fabian Hurzeler’s side are the latest to set their sights on the midfielder who is regarded as the best player in the second tier at the moment.As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Brighton believe they can move quickly to beat their rivals to Hackney’s signature.However, “half the Premier League” are keeping a close eye on his performances this season, and the Seagulls will face stiff competition from the likes of Nottingham Forest. 🔄 Nottingham Forest Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on signings, departures, and contract news from the Nottingham Forest boardroom. VISIT THE FOREST TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Could Brighton beat rivals to sign Hayden Hackney?Football Insider revealed last month that Middlesbrough are determined to keep Hackney, but feel they will only be able to do so if they achieve promotion.That has placed a number of clubs including Brighton on alert, and the Seagulls’ recruitment team have identified him as a leading contender to strengthen in the middle.Hayden Hackney2025-26 StatsAppearances40Starts39Minutes Played3426Goals6Assists8Hayden Hackney’s stats for Middlesbrough in 2025-26.
(via Transfermarkt)Hurzeler is keen to build on what has been a successful season so far, but a strong offer will have to be made to beat their rivals to Hackney’s signature.Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “He’s a standout player, Hayden Hackney, arguably the best player outside the Premier League right now.“Brighton are very clever in what they do in the transfer window with their signings and Hayden Hackney will be a player that could be a real smart pick up.“It doesn’t surprise me that they are one of the clubs interested, but you’re looking at half the Premier League, the likes of Forest for example, who would be interested in Hackney.“Brighton could offer someone like Hackney a great platform if he was to leave Middlesbrough.“A lot will depend on whether they secure Premier League promotion or not.“Brighton are right there in the mix to try and sign him, and they feel they could steal a march on their rivals in the summer window.”What is Nottingham Forest’s plan for Hackney?Nottingham Forest are determined to strengthen Vitor Pereira’s side this summer, with the addition of a new midfielder at the top of their list of targets.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 28 April that Forest could step up their interest in Hackney if Boro miss out on promotion.Credit: ImagoIpswich’s 2-2 draw against Southampton in midweek has left the promotion race wide open, with two points separating Ipswich, Millwall and Boro heading into the final games.While Boro remain outsiders as a result of their two-place gap and inferior goal-difference, they remain hopeful of securing automatic promotion in the coming days.Should they have to settle for the playoffs, though, Premier League clubs are set to keep a close eye on their progress with moves for Hackney lined up. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Nottingham Forest Insider Access Get the full story from the City Ground and the Forest Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the banks of the River Trent.