Newcastle should revisit reported interest in Nottingham Forest’s Osborn

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Newcastle were reportedly interested in Nottingham Forest’s Ben Osborn earlier this year.

Newcastle United’s 1-0 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor on Monday night will have been disappointing for Rafa Benitez, but a more long-term concern may have arisen from the loss.

Following a disappointing summer transfer window in which the Toon only signed six new players despite gaining promotion, Benitez has been left with little squad depth – especially out wide.

Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie have started all but one of Newcastle’s 10 Premier League outings so far, with the unproven Jacob Murphy offering Benitez’s only cover on the flanks.

It has seen the Toon become predictable already at this early start of the season, with their Premier League opposition confident that they will select Atsu and Ritchie, something which gave Burnley the upper hand on Monday.

A lack of creativity was also largely evident as the Magpies suffered their fourth league defeat of the season in Lancashire, and Benitez must already be drawing up a shortlist to strike early in the January transfer window.

One of the first names on that winger hit-list must be Nottingham Forest magician Ben Osborn, who has continued to shine for Mark Warburton’s side since being first linked with a move to St. James’ Park.

The Daily Mirror claimed in March that Newcastle tried to sign him in January and that Benitez is a huge fan of the 23-year-old, who scored in Forest’s 3-1 defeat to Reading on Tuesday night.

Boasting inch-perfect control and close, yet dangerous dribbling abilities, Osborn has an eye for goal and the ability to unlock a defence – something a bit different to Newcastle’s current wide men.

Ritchie is much more renowned for his crossing ability, while Murphy and Atsu are expected to run at defenders with their pace. Osborn’s play is more widespread than that – he possesses a little bit of everything.

Able to play on either flank, at left wing-back or even in the number 10 role, Osborn would be the perfect capture for Benitez if he is able to strike a deal in January in the Toon’s fight against relegation.