Nottingham Forest scouts rising star from England U21 team who excelled after switching national teams and is making a mark in the Championship

Nottingham Forest transfer chief Ross Wilson has set his sights on Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, who has been turning heads with his impressive performances for England Under-21s. The 21-year-old midfielder, who chose to play for England after previously representing Scotland, has been a standout player in recent matches, catching the attention of Forest’s scouting team. With potential plans to make a move in the upcoming transfer window, or possibly waiting until the summer, Forest is eager to add more domestic talent to their squad. As the club also considers loan options for some of their current players, the transfer market is heating up for the Championship side.

Nottingham Forest’s chief Ross Wilson keeps an eye on Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney as he shines for England Under-21s

Nottingham Forest’s transfer chief Ross Wilson is closely monitoring Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney as he impresses with England Under-21s. The midfielder, who chose to play for England after earning caps for Scotland, has been catching the eye, especially in this week’s 3-0 win over Northern Ireland.

Hackney, 21, spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Scunthorpe United in League Two, but it was the previous season where he finally made his breakthrough with Middlesbrough. He became a key player in the team’s midfield as they rose from the relegation zone to finish in the playoffs under manager Michael Carrick.

With Wilson watching him live back in September, there are talks of a potential swoop for Hackney by Forest in the upcoming January transfer window or potentially in the summer.

On another note, Forest’s Under-21s EFL Trophy clash at Accrington drew the attention of fifteen clubs from the Premier League and beyond. There are also talks of potential loan moves for some Forest players in January, with interest in Swedish striker Julian Larsson and French winger Ateef Konate.