Blues are in the hunt for Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien, with reports suggesting Blues are eyeing a permanent move for the 26-year-old this summer.
According to Alan Nixon (Via Patreon), Blues are one of several clubs keen on landing the former Huddersfield Town man, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Swansea City. Southampton are also pushing hard for his signature as they look to reshape their squad following relegation from the Premier League.
O’Brien has struggled to cement a place at Forest since joining in a £10m double deal with Harry Toffolo in 2022. He’s had four separate loan spells in that time, including stints in the MLS with D.C. United and LAFC, but impressed the most during his time in South Wales.
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Despite competition from Hull, Preston, and Swansea, who are interested in making his stay permanent, it’s understood both Blues and Southampton are willing to meet Forest’s asking price for a permanent transfer.
Big Ambitions at Knighthead Park
Blues’ interest in O’Brien comes amid a flurry of transfer activity, with the club also closing in on a sensational return for academy graduate Demarai Gray. The winger is expected to leave Saudi side Al-Ettifaq this summer, and Blues are reportedly at the front of the queue.
Chris Davies is looking to add proven Championship experience to his squad ahead of the upcoming campaign, and O’Brien fits the bill perfectly. With Tom Wagner and Knighthead continuing to show serious ambition both on and off the pitch, the Second City side look ready to compete for the league’s top talent.
The likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Craig Dawson, and Oli McBurnie have all been linked with a move to B9 and the potential addition of O’Brien would only strengthen what is already shaping up to be a competitive midfield department.
Stay tuned as this one develops and for all the latest Blues transfer news and updates, follow @BluesFocus on Twitter.