Report explains likelihood of Nottingham Forest selling Ben Osborn to Stoke

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Championship newcomers Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers are reported to be interested in signing Nottingham Forest’s Ben Osborn.

Ben Osborn might not be the most universally popular player among the Nottingham Forest support but there can be no debate about how effective he is to the side.

The 23-year-old academy graduate featured in every one of Forest’s Championship games last season, making 42 starts, and played all across the midfield, on the wing and even at left-back on occasion. So his departure would leave a big whole in their squad.

According to the Nottingham Post, Stoke City are interested in signing the versatile youngster this summer. Their manager Gary Rowett is a big fan and even launched an audacious attempt to sign Osborn when he was in charge of Forest’s local rivals Derby County.

Blackburn Rovers are also understood to be keen.

But, according to the Nottingham Post, it would take an offer of at least £5 million to prise Osborn away from the City Ground. And, if that is not enough, the report adds that Forest would have no interest in selling one of their key players to a Championship rival.

So the chances of Rowett finally getting his man this summer appear slim.

And this is the right decision for Forest. If they really want to push on and challenge for promotion next season, it hardly makes much sense weakening their own squad while strengthening a rival.