Nottingham Forest are battling both Everton and Coventry City to sign a division's Player of the Year, according to talkSPORT.
Nottingham Forest set for Chelsea after impressing unbeaten run
Forest head into Monday night’s clash with Chelsea in confident mood after putting together one of their strongest runs of the season.
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Since mid-March, results have picked up significantly, with Forest showing more control in games and a sharper edge in both boxes. It has been a clear shift from earlier inconsistency, giving them momentum at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Performances during this spell have been built on organisation and resilience.
Forest have looked harder to break down, while also finding ways to win tight matches rather than letting them slip. That improved form has lifted the mood around the club and eased pressure, but it also raises expectations heading into a tough test against Chelsea.
The upcoming game will be a different challenge altogether.
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Chelsea have had their own ups and downs this season, mostly downs recently, but still carry quality across the pitch.
For Forest, the aim will be to extend their positive run and show they can compete against higher-level opposition with the same discipline they have displayed in recent weeks.
Away from the pitch, though, attention is already turning towards the summer window, and one name firmly on the radar is Hayden Hackney.
Forest battling Everton and Coventry City for Hayden Hackney
According to talkSPORT, Forest are in the mix to sign the Middlesbrough midfielder, but they are not alone.
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Everton and Coventry City are also said to be tracking the situation, setting up a potential three-way battle for one of the Championship’s standout players.
Hackney’s reputation has soared this season after being named Championship Player of the Year, recognition of his consistent influence in midfield.
At just 23, he has combined energy, composure and leadership, becoming a central figure for Boro during their promotion push.
His numbers underline that impact.
Hackney has contributed six goals and eight assists in 40 total appearances from midfield this season while also dictating play, making him one of the most complete performers in the division.
That all-round ability is a major reason why Premier League clubs are now circling.
For Forest, the interest makes sense.
Leicester City's Jordan Ayew in action with Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney
Midfield has been an area where depth and consistency have been tested at times, and adding a player with Hackney’s profile could strengthen that department significantly.
He offers a mix of technical quality and work rate, fitting the type of player clubs often look for when trying to build a balanced squad.
However, the competition could complicate matters.
Everton are also expected to be active in the market, while Coventry — fresh from promotion — may look to make a statement by targeting high-performing Championship players.
That creates a situation where Forest would likely need to move decisively if they want to secure the deal.
There is also the question of Middlesbrough’s position.
Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney celebrates scoring their first goal
.Their promotion outcome could play a key role in whether Hackney is available and at what price. A step-up to the Premier League for Boro might reduce the likelihood of a sale, while failure to go up could increase interest and drive negotiations.
For now, it remains an emerging story, but it highlights how Forest are planning ahead.
Their improved form has given them a platform, and the next step will be building on it with smart recruitment.
As they prepare to face Chelsea, the focus will remain on continuing their strong run.
Yet behind the scenes, the groundwork is being laid, and Hackney is one of the names to watch as Forest look to strengthen for the future.
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The Tricky Trees are one of a few major clubs keen.