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Sources: Blackburn Rovers in pole position to sign Nottingham Forest star Lewis O'Brien
Blackburn Rovers are leading the race to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, sources have told Football Insider.
Forest have given O’Brien, 24, the green light to go out on loan as he is currently down the pecking order in Steve Cooper’s plans.
The likes of West Brom and Sheffield United have registered their interest in O’Brien this month.
But Blackburn are in pole position to take the former Huddersfield man on loan for the remainder of the season.
The midfielder was once a top target for ex-Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa, who was a big admirer of his midfield play.
O’Brien’s current contract at the City Ground runs until 2026 after he joined from Huddersfield in the summer.
The playmaker began his career in Huddersfield’s youth teams and spent a season on loan at Bradford before joining Forest in July.
The centre-mid has made 17 appearances for Steve Cooper’s side across all competitions this season.
He has scored once during those outings and has not been in the starting lineup since October.
Blackburn are currently fifth in the English Championship, just two points behind third place Middlesbrough.
Rovers boss Jon Dahl Tomasson is keen to bolster his options in midfielder before the 11pm deadline.
Tomasson will be hoping to have O’Brien in the squad to face Wigan Athletic at Ewood Park on Monday (6 February).
In other news, according to sources, West Brom, Luton Town, Oxford United and Barnsley in race to sign Tottenham midfielder Harvey White.