Expert: Nottingham Forest want to sign 'top-quality player' who looks 'likely to leave' his club
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
(Credit: Imago) Hayden Hackney: Nottingham Forest plan to accelerate move after crucial clash Tue 28 April 2026 17:15, UK Hayden Hackney is high on the list of targets at Nottingham Forest and they could make a move to sign him once the Championship season is over.As things stand, Middlesbrough are still in with a shot at automatic promotion, with all eyes on Tuesday night’s crucial fixture between Southampton and Ipswich.An Ipswich win could all but end Boro’s bid for second place, leaving them to scrap in the playoffs, and failure to win there would increase Hackney’s chances of leaving.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Nottingham Forest will be watching events closely due to the impact on their transfer plans.As Vitor Pereira aims to bolster his midfield, Hackney has emerged as one of the leading targets, and Nottingham Forest are keen to accelerate their plans in the coming weeks. 🔄 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 Nottingham Forest make a move for Hayden Hackney?Brown told Football Insider that Nottingham Forest are strong admirers of Hackney and are putting plans in place to lure him to the City Ground this summer.The 23-year-old was subject to interest from Forest in January, but a deal could not be agreed as Middlesbrough would have been unable to land a replacement.Hayden Hackney2025-26 StatsAppearances40Starts39Minutes Played3426Goals6Assists8Hayden Hackney’s stats for Middlesbrough in 2025-26.
(via Transfermarkt)There is, however, a growing feeling that a summer move would allow Boro to use the funds from his sale to improve their squad, opening the door to a move.“Hackney is likely to leave Middlesbrough this summer,” Brown told Football Insider.“But it has a much better chance of happening if Middlesbrough don’t get promoted, because he will want to make that step up to the Premier League.“It’s close at the top right now, there are some big games still to be played which could decide it.“Nottingham Forest and the other clubs interested in signing Hackney will be keeping a close eye on what happens there, because that could be the key.“He’s a top-quality player, Hackney, his ability is at a high standard and for a team like Nottingham Forest, it’s well worth taking a chance on him.“If Middlesbrough go up, they’ll want to keep him, if they don’t, he might be available and that’s when teams will be looking to make a move.”What is Middlesbrough’s plan for Hackney’s future?Hackney came close to leaving the Riverside Stadium last summer after a deal was agreed with Ipswich, but instead opted to remain at his boyhood club.However, that stance could change due to his ambitions of playing in the Premier League, and a number of clubs are keeping a close eye on his situation.Credit: ImagoBrown told Football Insider last month that Middlesbrough are determined to keep Hackney, but feel they will only be able to do so if they achieve promotion.Even if they do make the step up into the top tier, though, there is no guarantee the midfielder will stick around given the high-profile interest.More established Premier League sides, including but not limited to the likes of Everton, Crystal Palace and even Man United still feel they could lure him away. 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.