How Middlesbrough FC have reacted to late Nottingham Forest, Hayden Hackney transfer approach | OneFootball

Middlesbrough have rejected an approach from Nottingham Forest for star midfielder Hayden Hackney

Middlesbrough have turned down an approach from Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest for star midfielder Hayden Hackney, with Kim Hellberg's side unwilling to see the 23-year-old leave the club this late in the window.

As per Sky Sports News, Middlesbrough have knocked back an approach from Nottingham Forest for Hackney, with the club unwilling to part ways with their most prized asset just hours before the deadline.

Hackney has been the subject of long-term interest from teams in the top flight, though Boro have stood firm in their valuation of Hackney, and are set to keep hold of him until at least the end of the season.

A boyhood Middlesbrough fan, Hackney has become the club's most valuable asset and important player, and indeed, one of the league's most outstanding players, and looks destined to be playing in the Premier League next season, whether that is with Middlesbrough or someone else.

Middlesbrough reject latest Nottingham Forest approach for midfielder Hayden Hackney

Hackney has been courted by clubs in the top flight for what feels like an age, with the likes of Manchester United, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur holding an interest in the 23-year-old as recently as earlier this month.

FootballInsider also reported that West Ham had plotted a move for Hackney earlier this month, though Boro once again stood firm, with TEAMtalk reporting that they had slapped a £30 million valuation on the midfielder.

Now, Forest are the latest club to try their luck for the England youth international, but that approach was instantly rejected, with Boro now unwilling to part ways with Hackney for seemingly any price this late on in the window, such as is his importance to the side.

Hackney has started all 30 Championship games for Boro so far this season, scoring four and assisting five, becoming an integral figure in the middle of the park under both Rob Edwards and now Kim Hellberg.

The Teessiders find themselves in the midst of a promotion battle, having narrowed the gap to league leaders Coventry City, going level on points with the Sky Blues with just 16 league games remaining.

Forest's pursuit of Hackney, therefore, understandably, came to a swift and abrupt halt, with Hackney likely to play a significant role in Boro's quest for Premier League football next season.

Understandably, with just hours remaining until the transfer deadline, Hellberg's side looks increasingly unlikely to sell Hackney under any circumstances.

The midfielder has just 18 months remaining on his current Boro deal, and came close to a move to division rivals Ipswich Town this summer, though turned down the £20 million move in favour of remaining with his boyhood club.

Boro find themselves with a huge chance of earning promotion this campaign, and losing Hackney would have a cataclysmic impact on their chances of achieving that goal.

It seems just a matter of time before Hackney makes the jump to the Premier League, and Boro, by all accounts, will be hoping he can do so with them.