Norwich City should swoop for Nottingham Forest midfielder Ben Osborn if reported Leeds United target Jonny Howson departs Carrow Road this summer.
Ben Osborn celebrates scoring for Nottingham Forest
City captain Howson has been linked with a move back to former club Leeds United, with the Yorkshire club reported to be lining up a £4million move for the 28-year-old (Express).
The midfielder started his career at Elland Road after breaking through the academy and went on to captain the side at the age of just 19. He made over 200 appearances for Leeds before being sold to Norwich in 2012 after the club ran into financial difficulties.
The transfer was met with uproar among Leeds fans but the prospect of Howson moving back to his boyhood club may be a plausible one.
News of potentially losing one of their most consistent performers will not be met with positivity by those associated with Norwich City. Howson has scored six goals and notched up eight assists from midfield this season. His performances were a bright light in what was otherwise a disappointing season for the club.
If Norwich do lose Howson then their supporters will demand that the club finds a suitable replacement. Nottingham Forest’s Ben Osborn would be the ideal player to fill the void left by Howson.
Norwich’s Jonny Howson scored six goals last campaign
22-year-old Osborn has established himself as a key player in Forest’s side since making the breakthrough to the first team from the academy. Despite the club’s frustrating campaign, which saw them in the midst of a relegation battle, Osborn earned a number of plaudits for his performances.
He played a part in the every league game and scored four goals as well as securing seven assists in the Forest midfield. Osborn has played much of the season in a left-midfield role but has played in the central midfield as well as in an advanced midfield role.
Norwich will be hoping to make a bid for promotion next season, with or without Howson. Osborn would excel in a side pushing up the top end of the Championship table and if the opportunity does arise to move to Carrow Road then it should be considered.
Ben Osborn has made 135 appearances for Forest in four seasons
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