Stoke City linked with Nottingham Forest outcast ahead of December contract decision
Lewis O’Brien is currently on loan at MLS side LAFC but could be on the move again in January with a host of clubs tracking the midfielder – including Leeds United, Hull, Sheffield United, Southampton and West Brom
Stoke City are reported to be one of several clubs keen on Nottingham Forest outcast midfielder Lewis O’Brien. The 26-year-old former Huddersfield Town star is currently on loan at Major League Soccer side LAFC, but his contract ends in December.
That has alerted clubs back in the UK – including the Potters, Championship rivals Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield United and Hull City, plus top-flight strugglers Southampton, according to TEAMtalk.
While Stoke continue to struggle at the wrong end of the table, all areas of Narcis Pelach’s squad will be seen as vulnerable to a January revamp, including midfield.
Discussing his plans recently, the Stoke head coach said: “I will have to try and put my mind around this when the moment comes and think about what the team needs. Of course I have my own ideas already, but I need to get to know the players I have a little bit more, personally and from the football point of view.
“We will see where we are in five or six weeks and try to make the best decisions, because I really think a lot of success is on that – the recruitment side – and then you are able to do what you want to on the pitch because you have the right players. As I say, I will try be as clever as I can and lend my ideas for what I have.”