Middlesbrough reject Nottingham Forest approach for Hayden Hackney on deadline day | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest have seen a deadline day approach for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney rejected.

According to Nottingham Post, the 23-year-old has been on Forest’s radar since 2023, with regular scouting of the midfielder.

Boro are chasing promotion to the Premier League and want the former England Under-21 international to remain part of that push. They are said to be unwilling to sell one of their key players so late in the window.

Hackney has 18 months left on his Riverside contract. The academy graduate has made more than 120 league appearances since stepping up to the first team.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle United and West Ham United have also been linked. He could have joined Ipswich Town last summer but stayed with Boro.

After scoring the winner against Norwich City for Kim Hellberg’s team on Saturday, the skipper ruled out a move before the deadline. He said he is happy, enjoying his football under the manager, and that promotion with Middlesbrough would mean everything.

Finding a midfielder is proving difficult for Forest in the final hours. Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi appears likely to stay in Italy and two bids for Celtic youngster Arne Engels have been rejected.

Sean Dyche’s side have until seven pm to finish their business. They have added striker Lorenzo Lucca and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, and still want another forward and a left-back, along with a midfielder.

Source: Nottingham Post