Former Nottingham Forest star Ben Osborn is closing in on a return to bitter rivals Derby County more than two decades after he left the club, according to the latest reports.
Osborn left the Rams’ academy system in 2003, moving to the side’s rivals and remaining in the Tricky Trees’ youth ranks for ten years before making his professional debut at the age of 18. He went on to make 230 appearances for Nottingham Forest, scoring 16 goals and recording 31 assists in all competitions.
Having been utilised as a left-back during his days in the academy, Osborn was deployed a lot more as a midfielder upon earning his place in Forest’s first-team. This versatility would serve him well in his career.
After just over five years in the squad, the Englishman left the City Ground to join Sheffield United, who had just been promoted to the Premier League for the first time in 12 years, for a reported £5 million. However, after five seasons in South Yorkshire, the 29-year-old is set to leave Bramall Lane and will become a free agent on Monday when his contract officially ends.
It was reported two weeks ago that newly-promoted Championship side Derby County were lining up a move for Osborn once his deal expired with Sheffield United, but it was also claimed that fellow second-tier outfit Watford were keen on securing his signature.
Nevertheless, journalist Alan Nixon is now reporting that the Rams are set to beat the Hornets in the race for Osborn and that he will seal his move to Pride Park very soon.
Writer’s View
This is a really good signing for Derby County, although it may certainly ruffle feathers at Nottingham Forest. Paul Warne’s side are keen to bolster their midfield and acquiring Osborn is an impressive feat given he played in the Premier League just last season.
Furthermore, the deal will make sense for the player himself as he was born in Derby and would have lived between the two areas for the majority of his life before eventually leaving for Sheffield United. Now, he is set to return home.
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