Nottingham Forest are reportedly reluctant to sanction a move for Lewis O'Brien to Sheffield United.
The 24-year-old is currently on loan at Wayne Rooney's DC United after joining in March. His loan is set to conclude on July 16 but with the MLS regular season running until October, Rooney is keen for the midfielder to stay on.
"We're still in conversations. It's a difficult situation because it's not in our hands," Rooney said. "We're trying everything we can to try to keep him."
However, Sheffield United have reportedly expressed an interest to sign O'Brien following their return to the Premier League. The Sun claims they "face an anxious wait" to do a deal.
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But that may prove difficult with Forest not thought to be willing to "help" a bottom-half rival. O'Brien's future at the City Ground remains unclear at this stage.
His last appearance for the Reds came in January against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup semi-final defeat. O'Brien is still determined to help Forest when he is called upon.
"I want to prove I can be in the Forest team and I can play in the Premier League every week," he previously said. "I want to be the player they signed. I still watch all the games and speak to some of the lads."
