EFL star shows Nottingham Forest why he’d be a quality alternative to Hayden Hackney

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Nottingham Forest are one of several clubs eyeing Hayden Hackney this summer, but perhaps another EFL star would be a better fit.

The Reds are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to sign new players, with the EFL, Bundesliga and Serie A all throwing up Forest links.

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Elliot Anderson is a target for Manchester City and if he leaves, there will be a definite requirement for the Reds to land a new midfielder.

Hackney is being courted by Everton and Crystal Palace and last night, during an international friendly, an alternative for Forest came to light.

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Shea Charles shows Nottingham Forest why they have to swoop

Northern Ireland had the thankless task of trying to stop World Cup favourites France last night, and Michael O’Neill’s men gave a stunning account of themselves.

Despite Michael Olise scoring a hat-trick, Northern Ireland did get back into the game in the second half when stunning work from Charles teed up Patrick Kelly for a maiden international goal.

Charles was part of the Southampton team that reached the play-offs last season, and the fact that they didn’t go up means they could sell this summer for around £25 million.

The 22-year-old ticks a lot of boxes from a Forest perspective, and his vast potential would make him a perfect alternative to Hackney.

Charles bagged six goals during the 2025/26 campaign and didn’t look out of place in big FA Cup games against Arsenal and Manchester City.

It doesn’t feel as though Hackney is overly keen on signing for Forest and that could lead to the club looking elsewhere.

Charles was outstanding against France on Monday night, and there is an awful lot to like about the central midfielder as Forest sit in the mix to sign him with Leeds and Manchester United.

Hackney will definitely get a move away from Boro this summer, and based on his form last night and across the last 12 months, Forest would be extremely wise to get busy when it comes to trying to sign Charles.