According to reports, Newcastle United are ready to step up their interest in their long-term target Ben Osborn as the Magpies prepare for life in the Premier League next season. The Nottingham Forest midfielder has been pretty impressive this season in the Championship attracting numerous suitors in the winter transfer window.
Rafa Benitez has almost had a pitch perfect season this campaign with Newcastle leading the Championship league table for most of the season before Brighton & Hove Albion has taken a four-point lead at the top of late. Nevertheless, the Magpies are 10 points clear of immediate title challengers Huddersfield Town and a Premier League berth looks assured.
Benitez had gone through a total revamp at the start of the season, which saw numerous players leaving St. James’ Park and many new faces coming in. Things have fallen into place for them quite evidently and the Spanish manager would need yet more changes next season when the ballgame will be totally different.
Of course, there will be lesser fixtures to worry about, but the bench would need to be thick and with quality options. Newcastle has some real quality in their midfield with the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden, Jack Colback, Mohamed Diame and more, and the inclusion of Osborn will only give them more depth. The 22-year-old is extremely versatile and can almost play anywhere in the middle of the pitch.
Various reports have claimed that Premier League clubs Swansea City and Burnley have also been keeping tabs on the Forest sensation. Despite Forest having one of theirs worst season in the Championship, Osborn has been a bright prospect scoring four goals and registering six assists in 42 league appearances.
Benitez will have a tough job on his hands now with Premier League sides also fighting for his signature. Forest are currently dwelling at the 20th place in the Championship table and with their season not getting any better, the club is unlikely to convince Osborn into staying if luring offers come.
A Nottingham Forest academy product, Osborn broke into the scene when he was 19 in a 1-1 Championship draw against Ipswich Town. He has never looked back since then, establishing himself as a first-team player and growing into a fan favourite in no time. This is his fourth season as a professional footballer with the English U-20 player making over 100 appearances for the Reds.
Osborn’s contract with Forest runs till 2020 after he signed an extension only in last summer and his departure is expected to be a big money move.
