Lewis O’Brien may finally get a permanent Nottingham Forest exit this summer with two Championship promotion contenders said to be in the hunt for the midfielder.
O’Brien’s career at the City Ground never took off and he’s not played for Forest for two-and-a-half years.
He’s been out on loan to DC United, Middlesbrough, Los Angeles FC and Swansea in that period, but may now get a permanent move as the 26-year-old looks to kickstart his career.
The Sun report that Southampton and Birmingham are leading the way to take O’Brien this summer with both clubs expected to be battling at the top of the Championship.
The Saints, now under the guidance of Will Still, are among the favourites to get promoted as they look for an immediate response to relegation.
While US-backed Birmingham are also predicted to be towards the top of the division after their record-breaking League One title win.
O’Brien has had further loan interest this summer, but a sale would work best for Forest.
That’s especially as the midfielder has just one year remaining on his contract, and so it’s the last summer in which the club could get a fee for him.
However, the Sun add that Forest could scupper an exit by asking for too much.
Raising funds through sales will help protect Forest from having to sell any of their key men.
Matt Turner and Danilo are expected to move to Lyon for around £27m combined, while Josh Bowler and Andrew Omobamidele are also expected to leave.
Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga have been the subject of interest from Premier League sides, but Forest hope to keep both as they prepare for their return to Europe next season.
If O’Brien does finally leave the City Ground this summer, he will depart with 17 Forest appearances and one goal to his name, his last outing for the club coming in January 2023.
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