Nottingham Forest are ‘one to keep an eye on’ as they consider signing Middlesbrough player

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Nottingham Forest are moving with ambition this summer transfer window.

Nuno Espirito Santo will be handed a healthy transfer budget by Evangelos Marinakis, who wants to turn Nottingham Forest into regular challengers for the European spots.

Igor Jesus has already completed his move to Forest, and now Espirito Santo is eyeing other areas of the pitch.

Pablo Maffeo has been linked to the City Ground and there have been reports that the Spanish right-back has already agreed to join, but that appears to be premature.

Now, after speaking exclusively to journalist Graeme Bailey, we can reveal that Forest are considering a Championship midfielder.

• EXCLUSIVE: £21m midfielder has just ‘been offered’ to Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest are ‘one to keep an eye on’ in race to sign Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney

Bailey has exclusively told Nottingham Forest News that the club are ‘one to keep an eye on’ in the pursuit of Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney this summer.

“Forest have always had an interest in Hackney,” the journalist explained.

“I wouldn’t put them towards the top of the list by any means. They’re very happy with what they’ve got in midfield, with Elliot Anderson especially.

“I think the expectation at the moment is that he might move abroad because I think he has to choose his next club very carefully. If Hackney goes to Forest, is he starting?

“They’re keeping an eye on the situation. He is in the one to keep an eye on category.”

Hackney was part of England’s under-21 Euros triumph

Hackney did actually appear in four of England’s six games at the under-21s European Championships this summer.

The Boro youngster was mainly deployed as a late substitute, with Elliot Anderson actually keeping him out of Lee Carsley’s starting line-up.

Indeed, as Bailey alluded to, Hackney wouldn’t immediately join Forest as a starter, and that may put him off a move to the City Ground.

Espirito Santo would likely have to give the 23-year-old assurances of regular game time, otherwise, he’s expected to choose another project, with plenty of other clubs circling his signature.

Manchester United and Crystal Palace are reportedly showing an interest.