Forest fail with Hackney approach

Nottingham Forest have failed with an approach for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.

The Premier League side contacted the Championship promotion-chasers on Sunday but it was immediately knocked back.

Boro are level on points with Coventry City at the top of the Championship as they look to return to the top flight for the first time since 2016-17.

Hackney turned down a move to Ipswich Town in the summer after Middlesbrough agreed a £20m deal.

The 23-year-old was happy to bide his time at Boro, having come through the academy and made 145 appearances, and choose his next move carefully.