Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg breaks silence on Nottingham Forest's Hayden Hackney move | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest's advances for Hayden Hackney on deadline day were rejected

Kim Hellberg has issued his response to Nottingham Forest’s late January window attempt to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough.

It was reported on deadline day earlier this week that the Reds made an offer for the midfielder, which was rejected.

The Teesside outfit had no interest in cashing in on the 23-year-old, who still has 18 months remaining on his current contract.

The club are chasing promotion to the Premier League this season, having not competed in the top flight since 2017.

Hackney has been a crucial part of the side, featuring in all 30 of their fixtures in the league so far this term, contributing four goals and five assists.

Kim Hellberg responds to Hayden Hackney transfer exit links

Hellberg has claimed that he was comfortable regarding the future of Hackney despite the late interest from Premier League opposition.

He believes that the midfielder’s priorities are about helping the team achieve their goals for this season, as they target promotion to the top flight.

"I actually felt quite comfortable with him being here, since all the discussions, he wants to be here,” said Hellberg, via The Northern Echo.

"You can see that he wants to be here, what he wants to achieve here, and he wants to play here for the moment.

"I was never worried about him going anywhere, actually. I put my belief in him, and so I was not so worried about that one.”

Hellberg outlined Hackney’s importance to the club, not only for his performances on the pitch every week but for the standard he also sets in training and in the dressing room.

"I feel lucky [to have him]," he added.

"I'm proud of how he has performed but also how he is as a person.

"We talked about that so many times.

“He's been excellent and he's been helping me a lot in terms of being that type of captain, being that type of person, still being top on the game and on the pitch, but also being like he is outside of the pitch.

"That's as good a player as you can have as a coach.

"He drives the training environment forward all the time and helps everyone in the group.

“Of course I feel lucky to have that type of person and player."

Middlesbrough have won their last five Championship fixtures in a row, which has brought them level on points with leaders Coventry City.

The gap to third place Hull City is four points, while Ipswich Town are a further three behind in fourth but with a game in hand.

Hellberg was appointed as head coach in November following the sudden departure of Rob Edwards, who made the switch to Wolves just months after arriving at the Riverside.

Next up for Middlesbrough is a trip to face Sheffield United on 9 February in an 8.01pm kick-off.

Holding onto Hayden Hackney was a no-brainer decision for Middlesbrough

Selling Hackney on deadline day would’ve required a record breaking fee to make any sense for Middlesbrough.

The 23-year-old has been a standout talent in the Championship this season, and he has been crucial to the club challenging for promotion.

There is no doubt that he is ready for the step up to the Premier League, but Boro should be hoping he makes that step up with them later this year.

However, if the team fails to gain promotion this season, then a sale in the summer will very much be on the cards due to how little time is left on his contract.