City rivalling Luton for Lewis O'Brien loan - reports

Transfer guru Alan Nixon has claimed that City are in the race to sign the 25-year-old this summer, but Forest are holding out for a permanent deal before sanctioning another loan exit for the former Huddersfield midfielder. 

O'Brien spent last season on loan at City's Championship rivals Middlesbrough, but that spell was frustrated with injury. 

He made 25 appearances last season as Middlesbrough fell short of making the play-offs but earned positive reviews from boss Michael Carrick for his contribution in central midfield. 

O'Brien is one of several Forest players told their futures lie elsewhere as the club continues to grapple with profit and sustainability regulations. 

Speaking to Teesside Live in April, O'Brien revealed he would have wanted to remain at the Riverside Stadium beyond his season-long loan spell, but that looks unlikely after Boro have reportedly opted not to pursue a fresh deal to sign O'Brien this summer, leaving the door open for a move elsewhere.

"I don't have a clue, I'll have to see what happens in the summer," O'Brien said in April. "I've really enjoyed my time here and the time I've been playing. If it's the right time and the right things fall in place, I'd obviously love to come back here.

"It was the first proper injury I've had in my career that kept me out on the sidelines for a while. It was tough but I did all my rehab up here with Boro. It was nice to be around the lads. They've given me a lot of support through everything, through the whole time."

Lewis O'Brien is expected to leave Nottingham Forest this summer. (Image: PA Images)

O'Brien, originally from Colchester, came through Huddersfield's academy and made over 100 appearances before departing to join Forest in 2022. He has also had a loan spell in the MLS at DC United prior to his Middlesbrough posting. 

He has already been linked with Ipswich Town this summer and plenty of Championship clubs are thought to be interested in striking a deal for his services. 

Norwich's reported interest comes amid increasing reports linking midfield trio Kenny McLean, Gabriel Sara and Marcelino Nunez with moves away from the club. 

City have already added Jose Cordoba to their squad this summer, but are expected to target the loan and free agent market as they seek to strength Johannes Hoff Thorup's options this summer.