Derby County closing in on Nottingham Forest favourite as first summer transfer

Derby County are hoping to wrap up their first signing of the summer with a move for ex-Nottingham Forest midfielder Ben Osborn.

Osborn is understood to be close to wrapping up a deal to complete a switch to Pride Park having been released by Sheffield United. Watford are also said to have been keen on the 29-year-old who played more than 30 games in the Premier League last season.

Should Osborn complete the formalities of the switch, it will be an emotional homecoming for the midfielder who grew up watching Derby on the terraces. And it will represent an excellent first signing for head coach Paul Warne given his vast Championship experience.

In what is expected to be a busy summer, with up to eight signings being targeted, Osborn would provide great versatility to the squad. Osborn can play left wing-back or in the centre of midfield, the latter being an area of the pitch that is set to be completely revamped this summer.

Sheffield United had revealed on their retained list that they were in discussions with Osborn but were prepared to let him depart. Blades boss Chris Wilder was a huge fan of Osborn and said: “He has been excellent. It is not always easy being up and down the country watching the team play well with Fleck and Enda (Stevens), but his professionalism has been amazing.

“The work they do in training and in the gym to make sure they are right…He is a fantastic example to any of the players that when the door opens, you have to be ready, physically and mentally, to take the chance and he has done that with both hands.”