Sky Bet Championship sides Nottingham Forest and Stoke City are in talks over a swap deal between wingers Ben Osborn and James McClean, according to reports from the Mirror.

The latter was one of the first names linked with a move to the City Ground after the appointment of Martin O'Neill, with the 66-year old declaring an interest in the player that he knows well from his time with the Republic of Ireland national side.

The 29-year old, who signed for the Potters in the summer for a reported fee of £5million from West Brom, has scored one goal and produced six assists for the Staffordshire club.

But, in order to pursue his former player with just two days left in the transfer window, reports have now surfaced that the Reds could look to exchange Ben Osborn as part of the deal.

The 24-year old has made over 210 appearances for the East Midlands club since coming through the youth ranks, and has been a regular for Forest over the last few years, playing out wide or at left-back due to injuries.

Both sides will be looking to secure an agreement as quickly as possible, with just a matter of days left in the transfer window.

The Reds currently sit four points off the play-off places in 9th position, whilst the Potters sit 15th in the table, eight points off the top six.

The Verdict

This is very surprising to say the least.

Osborn has been a regular for Forest over the last few years, and has barely put a foot wrong for the Reds.

O'Neill must think about what he is doing, as this move could raise eyebrows for sure.