New Sheffield United signing Ben Osborn reportedly could have joined Newcastle United.
In an interview with Notts TV, Osborn revealed he had previously turned down offers to leave Forest before joining the Blades this summer.
“There’d always been a little bit of interest in quite a few of the (transfer) windows, but when a Premier League club came knocking, I had a couple of chances earlier on in my career which I didn’t go (for) – I just wanted to stay at Forest – I really wanted to pursue (the move to Sheffield United),” the 25-year-old said.
Nottinghamshire Live reports that it was Newcastle interested in signing Osborn, along with Stoke City.
When did Newcastle want Ben Osborn?
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A year ago the Chronicle reported that the Magpies had been watching Osborn extensively for the previous two years. Former manager Rafa Benitez was clearly a fan and they were ready to land the midfielder at a “reasonable price.”
Yet tempting Osborn away from his boyhood club was never going to be an easy task. His dream was to play in the Premier League with the Reds. But with it now more than 20 years since they were last in the top flight that looked increasingly unlikely.
Finally Osborn had entered the final year of his contract at the City Ground. It was a case of extending his stay, or leaving to try and fulfil his career ambitions.
Osborn chose the latter, with Forest receiving around £3m from the Blades for his services. It was a move that he said pleased all parties, with the Championship side bringing in some much needed cash to help them stay within Financial Fair Play rules.
Osborn made his debut for his new side this week, playing the full 90 minutes as they beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 in the Carabao Cup.
