Sheffield United are looking to rekindle their interest in Nottingham Forest midfielder, Lewis O’Brien, ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Blades are looking to strengthen in a number of areas but within a tight budget. And according to Alan Nixon, O’Brien is a player United are looking to bring in.
The former Huddersfield midfielder has had a nightmare time of things since signing for Nottingham Forest in a £10m deal last summer. He is currently on loan in the US, having seen moves in January to both United and Blackburn Rovers blocked for different reasons.
Sheffield United keen on Lewis O’Brien
O’Brien, 24, is currently playing his football with DC United but is due to return to England in July. He is expected to be among a number of Forest players who move on this summer.
For United, O’Brien represents a realistic target. The Blades are expected to have a small budget of around £20m for direct transfer fees. That could change, of course, if new ownership or financing is found.
Previously at Huddersfield, O’Brien was the driving force behind the Terriers’ march to the playoff final in 202 where, coincidentally, Forest beat them.
He made just 13 appearances for Forest in the Premier League before an influx of signings saw him pushed down the pecking order.
Sheffield United News View: A smart signing if not too expensive
It’s quite hard to judge O’Brien really on his time at Forest. He moved to the City Ground at a time when the club was splashing the cash and bringing in player after player.
He started off well enough but over time, Forest just got stronger and added players who are probably that little bit better.
That’s not to say O’Brien can’t deliver, mind. He has qualities in the midfield and in a way, is a younger version of John Fleck.
If this deal can be done on the cheap side, then it makes sense for United. He won’t be on mega money either in terms of wages, which, again, helps the cause.
