West Bromich Albion's move for Lewis O'Brien could reportedly be off as a result of Nottingham Forest wanting to insert a purchase clause in his potential loan deal. 

Carlos Corberan was hoping to add combative midfielder Lewis O'Brien to his side this January but, according to BBC reporter Simon Stone, the move looks likely to collapse with Nottingham Forest wanting to insert a £10m obligation to buy clause into the deal.

It was reported over the weekend that the Baggies were closing in on the loan signing of O'Brien, with Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas suggesting a deal was close.

The £10m obligation to buy clause would be a huge hurdle for West Brom to jump considering their tight restrictions on their budget and lack of guarantee of Premier League football next season.

The 24-year-old has seen his game time limited at the City Ground this term, recording 17 appearances in all competitions with some of these displays coming in the form of short cameos from the bench.

Scoring just once for Steve Cooper’s side this season, the midfielder hasn’t been able to make the same impact he did at Huddersfield Town last season when he thrived under Corberan.

The news would come as a huge blow for the Spaniard who would have been reunited with his former player and has been pushing to bolster his midfield options.

The Verdict

This is a huge blow for West Brom should the move collapse.

O'Brien was one of the best midfielders in the Championship last season and has been unfortunate not to get more game time at Forest this season.

Once he gets going within a side, there are many better all-rounders in the division and he would have played a huge part in helping West Brom achieve their ambitions this season.

There is still time in the window though, meaning there's still a chance that Forest change their minds, potentially opening the door once again for the Baggies to move for the midfielder.