Derby County & Swansea City join Luton, Preston North End & Blackburn in Nottm Forest transfer chase | OneFootball

The Reds want the majority of the midfielder's wage to be covered, and the Rams now lead that race.

Derby County and Swansea City have both entered the race for Nottingham Forest midfielder, Lewis O'Brien, and the Rams currently lead the race.

That's according to Alan Nixon via Patreon, who has reported that Paul Warne's side are pushing the most for the out of favour ace, although their league position could be an issue in their bid to bring the 26-year-old across the A52.

Derby have lost seven successive matches in the Championship following a 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Saturday at Pride Park, with Ben Brereton Diaz's strike just after half-time proving to be the difference between the two sides.

They remain two points off safety following Hull City's defeat to Stoke City, but the reality of relegation is starting to feel more real for the East Midlands side and reinforcements are needed.

Derby push for Lewis O'Brien deal but face stiff Championship competition

Five Championship sides are now pushing for O'Brien, and the midfielder is said to be keen on a move to Blackburn Rovers or Preston North End, with their current league position a lot stronger than the others in the race.

Derby, Luton Town and Swansea are also showing strong interest, and they are offering more than the Lancashire duo, as per Nixon.

Rovers and the Lilywhites are unwilling to cover more than half of O'Brien's wage at Forest, but he does not want a move to a side fighting against relegation.

Nevertheless, the Rams are showing the most interest in the 26-year-old, and a deal between the two East Midlands rivals could be sought on deadline day.

Derby County desperately need new faces at Pride Park to stave off relegation threat

2025 has proven to be incredibly difficult for Derby so far, and they are the only club in the EFL to not have picked up a point since the turn of the year.

Pressure has mounted on Warne, and he has stated that he believes three more players will head through the door at Pride Park before Monday's 11pm deadline. The first of those joined the Rams on Saturday evening, as Norwegian defender Sondre Langas made the £4m switch from Viking.

Derby have also shown an interest in Middlesbrough's Dan Barlaser, but the situation has quieted down since it was first revealed by The Telegraph on Monday that the Rams were pushing for the midfielder.

The sale of Eiran Cashin to Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday for £9m has given the Championship funds for the final days of the January transfer window, something that is much needed as Warne looks to turn his side's season around.