By support

10th Jun, 2018 | 6:15pm

Benitez must ramp up Newcastle interest in left-footed winger amid reports he is on their radar

COMMENT

Newcastle United reportedly have Nottingham Forest winger Ben Osborn on their radar and they should consider stepping up interest by making a formal approach this summer.

The Chronicle claims that the Magpies have watched the 23-year-old over the last two years and could consider a move if they feel he is available for a reasonable price, while Stoke City are also mentioned as interested parties.

However, Rafael Benitez’s side need some extra options out wide ahead of the 2018/19 campaign and should waste no time in trying to bring him to St James’ Park.

Osborn has been a first-team regular for Forest in the Championship in recent years and looks good enough to make the jump up to the top flight.

The left-footed dazzling attacker usually plays on the left flank and could certainly compete for a spot in the Newcastle XI next season, especially after the departure of loan sensation Kenedy back to Chelsea.

Osborn was directly involved in 10 goals for Forest in 51 appearances this season and at the age of 23 he still has room to grow.

The wide man is one of the most consistent performers at the City Ground with his brilliant work-rate and he is an old fashioned winger that loves putting crosses into the box.

Newcastle need to bolster their options in the final third and a potential pairing of Osborn and Matt Ritchie out wide could be a striker’s dream for deliveries into the penalty area.

In the latest Newcastle United transfer news, they are in talks to offload their powerhouse defender.

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