Report: Nottingham Forest bartering over ‘exceptional’ maestro but there’s a minor problem

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Nottingham Forest are still trying to barter with Huddersfield over the fee for midfielder Lewis O’Brien, according to The Sun.

Transfer guru Alan Nixon has claimed that reports of a fee being agreed are premature and negotiations are still ongoing.

O’Brien has been targeted by the Reds as someone to bolster their midfield engine room.

Forest have been forced to move quickly; with Steve Cooper confirming on Tuesday that Ryan Yates is out for a month through injury.

The Reds are still hopeful of signing O’Brien but Huddersfield want what they feel he is worth.

Reports earlier this week suggested that owner Dean Hoyle wanted to recoup £12.5 million for the midfielder.

Right now, Forest are offering that fee for O’Brien and left-back Harry Toffolo combined.

There is hope that a deal can still be struck. Right now, Forest have a free crack at signing the 23-year-old with interest not forthcoming from elsewhere.

The longer these talks continue though, the more chance there is of another club catching wind of O’Brien possibly being available.

As a result, Forest will hope to strike a deal very soon and bring a player who will massively improve the squad to the City Ground.

One problem, according to Nixon, is that Huddersfield want 20% of any future transfer fee. Naturally, Forest aren’t overly keen on including such a clause.

Carlos Corberan was a huge fan of O’Brien and saw him integral to his team during 2021/22. In March, he called him ‘exceptional’ and it’s clear that he’s a top player.

Forest barter over signing of O’Brien

It’s hard to fault Forest for trying to get themselves the very best deal possible in their quest to add a seventh new singing.

O’Brien is a remarkable talent though and the Reds would perhaps be wise just to pay what Huddersfield want.

Last season was a brilliant one on a personal level for the Huddersfield academy graduate.

He made 50 appearances for the club and helped them defy the odds by reaching the Championship play-off final.

After winning the game, Forest now hope to stick the boot into the Terriers and steal their best player.

Talks will continue and the Reds will hope something can happen with this one very soon.