Nottingham Forest could agree Hayden Hackney deal within days after Middlesbrough blow

Nottingham Forest have been given the perfect chance to sign Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, but they must act quickly.

Brighton have been strongly linked with the talented midfielder, who is valued at around £30million, and he has proven himself as ready to take the step up to the Premier League.

However, with Elliot Anderson likely to join an English giant this summer, Vitor Pereira could have a job of filling his boots at the City Ground, hence the interest in Boro’s No.7.

Sadly for Hackney, he has been sidelined since the middle of March, missing Boro’s Championship play-off semi-final games against Southampton.

Forest’s transfer chiefs could now benefit from the club’s demise, though.

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Following a goalless draw at the Riverside Stadium, the Saints managed to overcome their opponents at St Mary’s, with Shea Charles scoring a dramatic winner in the 116th minute on Tuesday, 12 May.

Of course, the situation of Southampton’s Spygate trundles on in the background, pouring doubt over the Saints’ spot in the play-off final. But for now, Boro are stuck in the Championship for another season.

Kim Hellberg’s team is stacked to the rafters with talent, though, and it is only a matter of time before Premier League clubs come knocking for their signatures, including Hackney.

Mick Brown told Football Insider that Forest could accelerate a move for Hackney once the play-offs are complete, and time has already come for Boro, who have been knocked out earlier than anticipated.

Anderson appears likely to switch life along the River Trent for one of the Manchester clubs, and that would be a monumental blow due to his impact at the City Ground.

Hackney could be the perfect replacement, and given the interest in his signature, the Reds need to act before the summer transfer window if they are to beat all other clubs to his signing.

It would not be out of the question for those behind the scenes to already be in talks with Boro, of course, if the Championship club are open to communication.

Hackney will feel that he deserves to be playing Premier League football after another impressive campaign in the second division, and Forest could provide a simple escape this summer.

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