Nottingham Forest set for Lewis O’Brien call that could affect Sheffield United transfer hopes

The midfielder’s future at the City Ground is unclear and the Blades will be keen to discover if he is available

Lewis O’Brien will return to Nottingham Forest next month unsure of where he will be kicking off the next campaign. The midfielder faces an uncertain summer as he waits to discover what Steve Cooper has in mind for him.

The 24-year-old is currently on loan in the US with DC United. The MLS season is set to finish in just under two weeks’ time when O’Brien will then return to England.

He is expected to be given some time off before reporting for pre-season on Trentside, where he will be keen for talks with Cooper over his future. Despite starting the 2022/23 season in a Nottingham Forest shirt following his move from Huddersfield, the midfielder slipped down the pecking order and was not included in Cooper’s 25-man squad for the second half of the Premier League campaign.

After a loan move to Blackburn fell down on deadline day, he was left in limbo and with the prospect of kicking his heels for six months before Wayne Rooney handed him a lifeline with a loan to the US.

Sheffield United have been credited with interest in him. Head of recruitment Paul Mitchell is believed to have held a long-standing interest in the player, stemming from his time with the Terriers.

Reports have claimed the Blades would be keen to do a deal if he has no future with their Premier League rivals, who they face on the second week of the new season. However, Paul Heckingbottom may have to wait for clarity on his position before deciding whether to cross him off the list or make a move.

Yorkshire Live’s sister title Nottinghamshire Live this week made the case for O’Brien to be part of Cooper’s plans to start with. As it stands, midfield is a key area in need of attention.

Jack Colback’s exit at the end of his contract has trimmed the numbers, and doubts remain over Jonjo Shelvey and Remo Freuler, meaning O’Brien may not be rushed out of the door upon his return.

Rooney has already been linked with wanting to extend his stay Stateside and O’Brien is said to be keen on regular football. He could quickly jump to the top of United’s wanted list if Forest make a decision to allow him to leave.

It’s an important period coming up where his future is set to become clearer. It’s a decision that could also help to shape Sheffield United’s transfer plans. Watch this space.