Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien is "close" to completing a loan move to Championship side West Bromwich Albion, according to reports.
The 24-year-old only arrived at the City Ground in the summer, signing from Huddersfield Town. But he has struggled to play regularly in the Premier League so far this campaign and now looks set to return to the Championship for the second half of the season, according to reports.
O’Brien worked with Baggies boss Carlos Corberan during their time at Huddersfield with the two now set to be reunited. The potential move comes after reports that Steve Cooper was willing to let both O’Brien and Harry Toffolo leave this window in order to make room in his 25-man Premier League squad.
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Forest have made three new signings so far in the January transfer window. Gustavo Scarpa and Danilo provided more competition in the midfield position, meaning that O’Brien will fall further down the pecking order at the City Ground.
The Reds have also completed the capture of striker Chris Wood on loan from Newcastle United. They are also said to have shown an interest in Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, but he looks set to join Leeds United.
Speaking about potential interest in O’Brien earlier this month, Corberan remained tight lipped on the speculation.
"There has been speculation with players I have worked with,” he said.
“It's more about that people maybe are thinking that they aren't getting important minutes with their clubs and that I am talking with them - but that is not the case.
"For the needs of the team, I will always talk privately because it has to be like this, with the club, and I will keep this indoors. We'll see what happens at the end, but for now I'm totally focused on working with the players that I have because, as I say, sometimes I have headaches to make the squad before we travel because some players can be important.
"I understand why he [O'Brien] was taken by a Premier League club. He was one player who was key during my two years at Huddersfield."
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