(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Mon 6 April 2026 17:30, UK

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Hayden Hackney is attracting growing interest in a move to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest now considering a move for the Middlesbrough star.

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the Riverside Stadium this summer with a number of top division clubs tracking his progress.

Whether Middlesbrough can keep hold of him will depend largely on whether they achieve promotion, and their bid was dealt a new blow after a 2-1 defeat to Millwall.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider it may be impossible for Boro to keep Hackney if they remain in the Championship next season.

That has put Vitor Pereira’s side, among others, on alert as they aim to bolster their midfield in what could be an important transfer window for Nottingham Forest.

Brown told Football Insider last month that Middlesbrough are confident of keeping Hackney if they secure promotion to the Premier League this summer.

However, a tricky run of form has seen Millwall leapfrog them into the second automatic promotion place, and they may have to rely on the playoffs.

Forest saw an offer for the midfielder rebuffed by Boro on deadline day in the mid-season window, but that situation is expected to change in the summer.

“The Millwall loss was a big blow for Middlesbrough,” Brown told Football Insider.

“It’s far from over yet and it could even have changed on Monday when there’s another round of fixtures, because you never know in the Championship.

“But if they don’t get promotion to the Premier League, it might be impossible to keep Hackney.

“Nottingham Forest need a midfielder and he’s somebody they were keen on in January, they see him as probably the best midfielder in the Championship.

“So if Middlesbrough are still in the second division next season, he’s going to be keen to make the step up, and Forest would be a good destination for him.

“They’ve got money to spend and they want to improve the squad, so they’ll be keeping a close eye on what happens between now and the end of the season.”

Who else is in the race to sign Hackney?

Nottingham Forest are far from the only club to have expressed an interest in signing Hackney, with the likes of West Ham and Aston Villa also keeping tabs.

Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider in February that Man United are interested in Hackney and are considered the favourites to agree a deal with Middlesbrough.

The 23-year-old’s performances in the Championship have impressed watching scouts, including those at United, and he could be tempted to make the step up.

Hackney played under Michael Carrick during the boss’ time at Boro, and quickly became a key part of his side, with the pair sharing a strong relationship.

Carrick is believed to have spoken to United’s recruitment team about bringing the midfielder to Old Trafford as they aim to revamp their options.