Blackburn Rovers are reportedly in pole position to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien, according to Football Insider.

O'Brien has been the subject of much transfer speculation this month and has attracted interest from a number of Championship promotion hopefuls, with West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United both supposedly registering their interest, while journalist Alan Nixon claimed Middlesbrough were also keen.

The 24-year-old arrived at the City Ground in the summer after an excellent season with Huddersfield Town last campaign, scoring three goals in 50 appearances as the Terriers reached the play-off final under Carlos Corberan, where they were beaten by Forest.

But O'Brien has found his Premier League minutes limited this season and has made just 13 appearances so far, with his last start coming back in October.

Forest boss Steve Cooper is thought to be willing to allow O'Brien to depart temporarily and Jon Dahl Tomasson's side look set to win the race for his signature ahead of tonight's 11pm deadline.

West Brom had previously been considered the front runners in a move which would have seen O'Brien reunited with Corberan at The Hawthorns, but Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett claimed the Baggies have now withdrawn their interest, meaning Ewood Park is looking increasingly likely to be O'Brien's next destination.

The verdict

This would be a significant coup for Blackburn if they can get the deal over the line.

O'Brien has been a man in demand this month and with a host of their fellow promotion contenders also keen, it is a statement signing for Rovers.

He can count himself unlucky to have not been given more of an opportunity at Forest this season, but he has proven himself to be a quality performer at Championship level previously and he will be a huge asset for Tomasson's men.

With Blackburn's form declining slightly in recent weeks, O'Brien's imminent arrival could be a game-changer in their promotion push.