Derby County enter race for former Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United man

Derby County have reportedly joined the race for midfielder Ben Osborn who’s contract at Sheffield United expires at the end of the month.

Osborn, 29, spent the earliest part of his career in Derby County’s academy and was also born in the city.

He then joined the academy at Forest and spent six seasons in his professional career with the Reds making over 200 appearances for the Derby rivals.

Since then, Osborn has been at Sheffield United in and out of the Premier League where he has made 115 appearances in five years.

According to Sun on Sunday journalist Alan Nixon, the Rams are interested in signing Osborn alongside Championship rivals Watford.

The Hornets are keen on getting a deal done quickly as there is a chance that Sheffield United could offer the midfielder a new deal amid rumours of a takeover.

The 29 year-old grew up as a Derby County fan so it would seem likely that he could be interested in a move to Pride Park.

The Rams are in need of central midfield help as they lost Max Bird, Korey Smith, Conor Hourihane and Ebou Adams over this summer.

In this previous Premier League season, Osborn made 24 appearances for the Blades contributing two assists for the relegated side.

He can also play at left back which is another positional need for Paul Warne’s Derby making the versatile midfielder an ideal target for the Rams.