**Swansea City Remain in Talks With Nottingham Forest Over Lewis O’Brien as Transfer Window Heats Up**
Swansea City’s ongoing pursuit of midfielder Lewis O’Brien has not yet reached a conclusion, according to club director of football Richard Montague. Despite the uncertainty hanging over the midfielder’s future, the Welsh club is still engaged in dialogue with Nottingham Forest as they attempt to secure O’Brien’s return to the Swansea.com Stadium next season. The player remains in demand after a successful loan stint in south Wales last campaign.
O’Brien featured in every match after his arrival in January, making 16 consecutive starts and drawing significant praise for his performances. However, with only a year remaining on his contract at Nottingham Forest and limited prospects of breaking into the Premier League side’s first team, the midfielder’s next move is a subject of keen interest among Championship suitors and overseas clubs – with La Liga’s Valencia reportedly among potential admirers.
Speaking to the press, Montague confirmed that Swansea have kept up regular communication with Forest, expressing gratitude for the Midlands club’s cooperation last season. “We have had good conversations with Forest,” Montague explained. “They were really good to deal with last season, and we even received a message thanking us for how well Lewis did with us. That was great to see.” Montague noted, however, that much now depends on Forest’s decision-making regarding O’Brien’s contract status and financial expectations.
Addressing the club’s interest in a new central midfielder, Montague revealed that fresh negotiations are possible but remain encumbered by the economic realities of football’s second tier. “Lewis is on a Premier League salary and there needs to be some give on that front to make it work for us,” he noted, adding, “We are talking to both Lewis and Forest. We would love to find a solution, but it is a matter of timing and meeting financial expectations.”
The 26-year-old, who enjoyed his spell in Swansea and developed a positive relationship with head coach Alan Sheehan, is not short of suitors. Alongside reputed interest from abroad, several Championship clubs are monitoring the situation. O’Brien’s appreciation for his time in south Wales, alongside mutual goodwill from Swansea’s hierarchy, continues to fuel speculation about a possible return.
Meanwhile, Swansea’s search for midfield reinforcements has also included consideration of Lincoln City’s Ethan Erhahon. Following a failed bid for the Scottish Under-21 international, reports suggested Swansea had reignited their pursuit, but Montague was keen to dampen those rumours. “There isn’t anything concrete in that one. He was one of many names discussed, but it is not progressing any further at this stage,” he clarified.
Montague also addressed speculation surrounding the futures of current Swansea midfielders Goncalo Franco and Jay Fulton. Both players have been linked with potential moves, with Franco allegedly attracting interest from clubs across England, Germany and Portugal, and Fulton recently associated with Plymouth Argyle. Nevertheless, the director downplayed the likelihood of imminent departures, saying, “Jay is an important player for us and there is no news of any offers or developments at the moment. As for Franco, until something concrete emerges, there is nothing to report.”
Beyond midfield considerations, strengthening central defence features prominently in Swansea’s transfer plans. With just Ben Cabango currently registered as the only senior centre-back, and Harry Darling’s future uncertain, the club is reportedly closing in on a deal for former Bolton Wanderers captain Ricardo Santos. Nonetheless, they are believed to be monitoring further options, including, at one stage, FC Sion’s Gora Diouf – who is now thought to be out of contention.
As the transfer window progresses, it is evident that Swansea City’s recruitment team faces both opportunities and hurdles. While the door remains open for a reunion with O’Brien, the club must strike a delicate balance between ambition and financial prudence. Supporters will watch closely as the summer unfolds, hopeful that a refreshed squad can build upon positive foundations laid last season.