Leeds United, West Brom and Sheffield United plot Nottingham Forest transfer raid | OneFootball

Southampton and five Championship teams have been linked with a move for Lewis O'Brien.

Championship trio Leeds United, Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion are all interested in Lewis O'Brien

This is according to TEAMtalk, who have reported that Hull City and Stoke City are also interested in recruiting the midfielder, who is currently plying his trade in the United States.

With the chances of him winning much game time at Nottingham Forest appearing slim, he has been sent out on loan to LAFC, with the midfielder returning to the US after a temporary spell at Middlesbrough last season.

One of the most memorable seasons of his career so far came at Huddersfield Town, with O'Brien playing a key part in the Terriers' journey to the play-off final under Carlos Corberan.

They succumbed to a defeat against Forest in the final, but the East Midlands side offered both him and Harry Toffolo the chance to make the move to the City Ground from the John Smith's Stadium.

Unfortunately for O'Brien, his time with the Reds hasn't worked out very well, and it may only be a matter of time before he seeks a permanent exit from Forest in his likely quest to settle down somewhere for the longer term.

With the experience he has, the midfielder is unlikely to be short of bidders during the January window, with LAFC's season coming to an end before the start of 2025 and the player potentially set to return to the City Ground in time for the winter window.

The MLS side have the option to make his stay permanent, but it remains to be seen whether they will trigger that clause. They haven't yet - and this could give English teams the chance to swoop for him when 2025 comes around.

Southampton join Championship teams in race for Lewis O'Brien

Plenty of teams are thought to be interested in O'Brien.

TEAMtalk believes Southampton are interested in the player, though it remains to be seen how much game time he would win at St Mary's.

In terms of those at the top end of the second-tier table, Leeds, the Blades and West Brom are all believed to be keen on the midfielder, with the Whites thought to have thought particularly hard about a potential move for the Forest man.

Hull and Stoke are also interested, but their chances of recruiting O'Brien may be slim if other linked teams make a move for him. The Tigers, however, can't be underestimated with Acun Ilicali showing before that he's willing to spend money.

The Blades, meanwhile, may not be able to spend too much until a takeover is done, so it will be interesting to see what situation they find themselves in when the winter window opens.

Leeds United could benefit from Lewis O'Brien deal

It seems as though the Whites are particularly keen on O'Brien - and that's no surprise considering they have struggled with depth in the midfield department at times this season.

Josuha Guilavogui may have signed a deal until the end of the season, but he doesn't look set to be a signing for the long term and neither does Joe Rothwell at this stage, considering he's only on loan.

With this in mind, recruiting O'Brien on a permanent deal could be a shrewd move, and it may also give Ethan Ampadu the opportunity to provide depth at centre-back, which is much needed.

There are questions regarding how much game time the Forest man would get if he made the move to Elland Road.