NOTTINGHAM FOREST have targeted Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney as they look to add more domestic players.
Transfer chief Ross Wilson watched the England Under-21 midfielder last week and Forest could move in January or next summer.
Nottingham Forest have targeted Middlesbrough’s Hayden HackneyRex
Hackney, 21, opted to play for Three Lions despite winning Scotland Under-21 caps and looks bound for the Premier League.
Forest’s Lewis O’Brien is on loan at Boro and could be part of a deal if they go for Hackney.
It comes after SunSport revealed the City Ground side are back in for Sunderland’s Tom Watson.
The 17-year-old winger was a Steve Cooper target before he signed an extended contract on Wearside earlier this month.
But the Premier League outfit are still hot on England youth Watson’s trail — and may even try their luck in January.
Forest rated Watson at £300,000 in the last window but know his value has gone up with his new contract.
The youngster has made just one senior appearance when he came off the bench for the Black Cats last season against Huddersfield Town.
But he has impressed at youth level, scoring 13 times in 34 appearances for Sunderland’s U18 squad.
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Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ethan Horvath is fuming at being left out of Cooper’s Premier League squad — and denied any chance of a loan move.
Forest’s USA international, 28, helped Luton win promotion in May but now appears unlikely to play any football until at least January.
It comes after the Tricky Trees have already seen two big name shot-stoppers come through the doors at the City Ground this summer.
GettyEthan Horvath during warmups prior to a match between Oman[/caption]