Report: New York City lead two MLS clubs in race to sign Nottingham Forest man Lewis O’Brien

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New York City are leading Colombus Crew and Atlanta United in the quest to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien, according to The Sun.

O’Brien was all set to join Blackburn Rovers. The EFL outfit submitted incorrect paperwork, however, and the player’s move to Ewood Park is still subject to the outcome of an appeal.

The 23-year-old made 14 appearances for Forest during the first half of the campaign. Unfortunately for him, however, some strong Reds form coincided with O’Brien nursing an illness that sidelined him.

Forest would need to heavily subsidise a deal for O’Brien to join a side in the MLS. The player is keen to make something happen though, with the midfielder unable to play for the Reds.

O’Brien started the first five Premier League matches this season. Since then, however, he’s started just once in the league and that came against Leicester City when the Reds were drubbed 4-0.

It would appear that Steve Cooper has just preferred other, more experienced options in midfield. O’Brien did start as the Reds were thrashed 4-1 by Blackpool in the FA Cup.

New York City leading the way to sign O’Brien

Cooper promised after omitting O’Brien from his squad that the club would do right by him. Clearly, the boss still fancies him but at this moment in time, he simply fancies others more.

Forest would do well to get him out before the various transfer deadlines around the world close. A move to the MLS would see him play frequently in a league that is growing with each season.

At 23, the player has bags of time on his side. He will hope to still have a future with Forest but in the short term, he would dearly love to get some much-needed match practice to his name.

O’Brien is behind Remo Freuler, Danilo, Ryan Yates, Orel Mangala, Cheikhou Kouyate, Gustavo Scarpa and Jonjop Shelvey in the Forest pecking order and as a result, it’s quite easy to see why Cooper made the call.

Forest are willing to pay the lionshare of O’Brien’s wages for him to go to the MLS. If his move to Blackburn doesn’t go through then they must do whatever it takes to get him over to the MLS.