News of Leeds United’s interest in Nottingham Forest star Lewis O’Brien was met with delight among Whites fans on Twitter this week – but Fabrizio Romano’s update could throw a spanner in the works.
O’Brien, 24, has been linked with a move to Elland Road for a number of years. But after he stayed put with Huddersfield, he left the Terriers last summer for Forest – after losing to them in the play-off final.
But after a solid first half to the season, Forest’s multitude of signings saw him dropped from the 25-man squad. He went on loan to DC United. Now, back at Forest, he reappeared on the bench at Arsenal.
Omitted from the squad against Sheffield United, but O’Brien is clearly back in Steve Cooper’s thinking. Alan Nixon claims a move is still likely, with Leeds eyeing a potential loan – or a permanent £10m deal.
But now, Romano has delivered a possible blow. With Jonjo Shelvey also expected to go, Romano says Serie A side Bologna have opened talks to sign another Forest midfielder – in the form of Remo Freuler.
Leeds eye O’Brien: Romano update could throw spanner in works
O’Brien is clearly the perfect midfield signing. The ideal no.6, or no.8 to go alongside the mode defence-minded Ethan Ampadu. O’Brien can create and score, but is also renowned for his tenacity, work rate.
He is the perfect Leeds player and previous interest in the ex-Huddersfield man during Marcelo Bielsa’s reign is proof of that. But Forest are expected to sell in the next fortnight and others could be sold first.
O’Brien is still likely to be one the club cash in on, given he spent time on loan in the MLS. But, if Shelvey goes and is joined by Freuler – Forest may decide to keep O’Brien with options beginning to dwindle.
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