Nottingham Forest Eyes Hayden Hackney Amid Ongoing Elliot Anderson Transfer Saga

The summer transfer window is set to open in the coming weeks, with clubs across the country aiming to improve their squads.

Nottingham Forest is among these clubs, competing with Manchester United and others to secure signings that can bolster their teams.

Elliot Anderson has previously been linked with a move to Old Trafford, with United intensifying their pursuit of the English international late last year.

However, Forest’s demands for a Premier League record fee for the midfielder have stalled this momentum, placing Manchester City in a favorable position to sign Anderson this summer, as they appear to be the frontrunners.

With City’s interest becoming more pronounced, Forest has begun exploring potential replacements who could offer similar qualities to the squad.

Alan Nixon, via his Patreon page, has reported that Nottingham Forest could enter the race for Hayden Hackney should Elliot Anderson depart this summer.

Nixon also noted that the funds received from the Anderson deal would empower Forest to outbid their competitors.

Steve Gibson, owner of Middlesbrough, has set a minimum asking price of £20 million for the midfielder and is willing to wait for a club to make a substantial offer, even if it means retaining Hackney until the January transfer window.

The journalist further revealed that Leeds United are interested, while Crystal Palace is also considering a bid, albeit at a lower price than what Middlesbrough is demanding.

The Boro midfielder is entering the final year of his contract, and clubs could pursue a free transfer if an agreement is not reached between the Teesside-based club and interested parties in the coming windows.

Thus, Forest may face a decision: act swiftly to gain an advantage or wait for another club to make the first move.

Manchester United has shown interest in Hayden Hackney for over two years, with Liverpool-for-midfield-star/”>initial interest emerging in January 2024, and they may compete with Forest to secure the midfielder’s services this summer.