Nottingham Forest have reportedly made a late move to secure the services of Middlesbrough's standout midfielder Hayden Hackney, only to see their approach swiftly rebuffed by the Championship side. The Premier League club, currently embroiled in a tense relegation scrap, are actively seeking to bolster their squad as the transfer window draws to a close.
Deadline Day Drama Unfolds
Sources indicate that Forest's bid for Hackney was formally submitted on Monday, February 2nd, 2026, but Middlesbrough have firmly rejected the offer. The Championship outfit are said to be unwilling to part ways with their key player at such a critical juncture, especially with the team sitting in the automatic promotion spots and pushing for a return to the top flight.
Hackney's Impressive Season
Hayden Hackney has been a revelation for Middlesbrough this campaign, delivering consistently impressive performances that have made him one of the most talked-about talents in the second tier. His contributions in midfield have been instrumental in propelling Boro into a strong position for promotion, making him an invaluable asset to the club's ambitions.
Forest's Midfield Search Continues
With their initial target now off the table, Nottingham Forest are understood to be exploring alternative options to strengthen their midfield ranks before the deadline passes. The club have also been linked with a move for Celtic's Arne Engels, suggesting that manager and recruitment staff are casting a wide net in their efforts to secure reinforcements.
The rejection highlights the challenges faced by Premier League clubs in persuading Championship sides to sell their prized assets, particularly when those players are central to promotion pushes. Forest's relegation battle adds urgency to their transfer activities, but Middlesbrough's stance demonstrates their determination to retain Hackney for the crucial final months of the season.
