Sheffield United will consider signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien if they offload Sander Berge this month. According to The Sun, Paul Heckingbottom is prepared to turn to the Reds maestro who is ready to head out on loan.
O’Brien signed for Forest with Harry Toffolo from Huddersfield Town. The pair cost a combined fee of £12.5 million and both players have found first-team football hard to come by.
The 23-year-old has struggled with an illness since the World Cup. It’s come at an awful time, with Forest kicking on and getting themselves into a position where they can start to look up.
Now, he’s down Steve Cooper’s pecking order and the Reds are ready to loan him out for the second half of the campaign. Carlos Corberan is leading the chase, with the Spaniard ready to take him to West Brom.
Sheffield United drew 3-3 with non-league Wrexham this afternoon. That was the least of their concern, however, with Berge now the subject of interest from several Premier League clubs.
O’Brien looked like a useful signing for the Reds when he was added to the ranks. Ultimately, he’s just fallen victim to picking up injury or illness at the wrong time when others have grasped their chance.
The Mirror have suggested the Norwegian could leave Sheffield United for just £15 million this month. Now, it would appear that the Reds midfielder could make a Bramall Lane switch.
United consider Forest midfielder O’Brien
This would be a deal that makes perfect sense. Although, given the rivalry between United and Forest on the back of last season’s play-off semi-final, fans would probably prefer he went to West Brom.
O’Brien has largely been used as a substitute this season. It’s a shame for the 23-year-old but ultimately Cooper has been trying to get a settled team together, especially since the World Cup.
The youngster will only be heading out on loan, however. Forest will have no desire to let O’Brien go permanently and he will hope to star on loan and then return to the City Ground with a point to prove.