EXCELLENT WINE Derby County is about to secure a player deal after defeating both Watford and Sheffield United.

Ben Osborn, a utility player for Sheffield United, is very close to joining Derby County, according to Alan Nixon.

The former Nottingham Forest player’s contract expires at the end of June, therefore he will be leaving the South Yorkshire team after five years and joining the Derby County team, where he was born.

Osborn and several other out-of-contract players were the subject of ongoing talks, according to Sheffield United’s official retained list earlier this month. However, Nixon revealed that the Blades were planning to let the left-footed midfielder go.

Nixon went on to say that although the 29-year-old was supposedly set for the exit ahead of his contract expiring, he may have made an unexpected return to Bramall Lane. Talks haven’t advanced since that assertion, though.

The adaptable player left Derby’s fierce rivals Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2019 to join Sheffield United, where he went on to play over 100 times for the team.

Osborn, who joined from Nottingham Forest, made 24 appearances in the Premier League the previous season as the team finished bottom of the standings. Since then, he has been a regular player, contributing significantly to Chris Wilder’s team.

Prior to the decision to let him go, it was said that Osborn was expected to earn a one-year extension from the Blades. However, due to the club’s financial struggles, cuts had to be made; they could only be undone by new owners contributing to the team.

Following their decision not to renew his contract, it was rumored that an American group was in talks with Sheffield United about a possible takeover. However, his future remained uncertain, and he was free to negotiate terms with other teams.

Nixon then disclosed that Watford and Derby County are both interested in the utility midfield player as the Blades wait for their takeover to be finalized.

Since then, Nixon has asserted that Derby is going to “clinch” an Obsorn agreement. “The Rams have won the race for Osborn, who was also fancied by Watford,” he said through his Patreon account.

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The Rams may benefit from Omari Kellyman’s transfer to the two Premier League teams.

Derby draws near to Ben Osborn

Given that Osborn played for Nottingham Forest, there may be some resentment over the move, but considering the player’s value and potential, Paul Warne may find a terrific addition in Osborn.

Osborn was a crucial member of the Sheffield United team even though he was never the team’s most flashy player or most reliable player. Derby will gain from his experience, work ethic, and versatility. Warne may use him as a wing-back or as a central midfielder.

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