Birmingham and Southampton, both sides expected to compete at the top of the Championship next season

Birmingham and Southampton, both sides expected to compete at the top of the Championship next season, are reportedly in the running to sign midfielder Lewis O’Brien

Two clubs could offer Nottingham Forest last big chance at midfielder transfer

Lewis O’Brien may finally get a permanent Nottingham Forest exit this summer with two Championship promotion contenders said to be in the hunt for the midfielder.

O’Brien’s career at the City Ground never took off and he’s not played for Forest for two-and-a-half years.

He’s been out on loan to DC United, Middlesbrough, Los Angeles FC and Swansea in that period, but may now get a permanent move as the 26-year-old looks to kickstart his career.

The Sun report that Southampton and Birmingham are leading the way to take O’Brien this summer with both clubs expected to be battling at the top of the Championship.

The Saints, now under the guidance of Will Still, are among the favourites to get promoted as they look for an immediate response to relegation.

While US-backed Birmingham are also predicted to be towards the top of the division after their record-breaking League One title win.

That’s especially as the midfielder has just one year remaining on his contract, and so it’s the last summer in which the club could get a fee for him.

However, the Sun add that Forest could scupper an exit by asking for too much.

Raising funds through sales will help protect Forest from having to sell any of their key men.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga have been the subject of interest from Premier League sides, but Forest hope to keep both as they prepare for their return to Europe next season.