NOTTINGHAM FOREST want the Championship’s top man Hayden Hackney to replace Elliot Anderson.
But a host of other clubs are ready to take a £20million punt on the Middlesbrough midfielder.
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Elliot Anderson looks set to leave Nottingham Forest this summer Credit: Alamy
Forest are set to pursue Championship Player of the Year Hayden Hackney to replace Anderson Credit: Getty
It comes as Forest star Anderson looks set to be the subject of a transfer saga this summer – with both Manchester clubs circling.
City and United will move for £100m-rated England star Anderson next month.
And Forest have already identified the man to fill the void in midfield.
Hackney, 23, snubbed a £20m move to Ipswich last August, while Forest’s deadline-day approach in January was rejected.
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The Championship’s Player of the Year also has other Prem admirers in Everton and Frank Lampard’s promoted Coventry.
In a standout campaign for Hackney, his boyhood club Middlesbrough have been in and around the automatic promotion spots throughout.
The deep-lying midfielder known for his creative spark has recorded five goals and eight assists in the Championship this season.
Boro still have a chance of automatic promotion as they sit fourth, just one point off Ipswich in second.
Hackney has attracted the interest of several Premier League clubs Credit: Getty
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However the second automatic spot is in the Tractor Boys’ hands as they have an extra game to play.
Millwall are also in with a chance sitting third, one point clear of Boro.
However it all comes down to what Ipswich do against FA Cup semi-finalists Southampton on Tuesday night.
A game in hand which could be as tough as they come in the Championship with Saints in flying form.
Whether the Teesiders achieve promotion is likely to make a significant difference to who Hackney is playing for next term and the money he could cost.
Promotion to the Premier League would surely increase Boro’s asking price or might even persuade him to stay another season.
However if they fail to get promoted, Forest, Premier League newcomers Coventry and likely many others will fancy their chances of landing the 23-year-old.
