Derby County are looking to assemble a squad to compete in the Championship and Paul Warne could land an ‘excellent’ upgrade on Louie Sibley.
Paul Warne is currently piecing together Derby’s transfer strategy for the summer ahead.
The 51-year-old has a lot of work to do after releasing six first-team players, leaving his squad thin on the ground.
Warne chose to let go of Conor Hourihane, Joe Wildsmith, Dwight Gayle, Scott Loach, Craig Forsyth and Martyn Waghorn.
Louie Sibley was another who saw his contract at Pride Park expire this summer but the club are currently discussing his future.
It remains to be seen whether they agree fresh terms with the 22-year-old who made 44 appearances in all competitions last term however, if they don’t, there is one player Warne should be target.
Paul Warne should move for Ben Osborn, he’s an upgrade on Louie Sibley
Warne could launch a move for Ben Osborn this summer as his contract at Sheffield United is coming to an end.
The midfielder had a one-year extension but the Blades have reportedly decided against renewing, meaning he could be available for free.
Osborn made 26 appearances for United in the Premier League last term but they were relegated to the Championship in what has been a torturous campaign.
A versatile player, who can operate as a left-back, central midfielder or winger, the 29-year-old could offer some serious versatility to the Derby ranks.
Not only that but he’d be a huge upgrade on current starting wing-back Sibley, having showcased his quality for a side battling towards the top end of the Championship previously.
During the Blades’ promotion-winning campaign in 2022/23, Osborn featured 20 times, impressing with his robust and energetic displays.
Ben Osborn is a Derby County fan
Many Rams supporters will remember the “excellent” Osborn for making 230 appearances across a 16-year stint at arch-rivals Nottingham Forest, but not many know he grew up watching Derby on the terraces.
His dad – who was also a huge Derby fan – took Osborn to games as a child, so when he came through the Ranks at Forest, it complicated matters before he moved on to United.
In an interview with the Sheffield Star in 2022, the 29-year-old said: “It’s a bit of a strange one.
“The majority of my mates are Derby fans. I came through the ranks at Forest and grew to dislike them a little but it’s a strange one.
“It doesn’t mean as much as it once did but I’ve always enjoyed playing there. I know where my mates sit in the ground.
“My dad was a diehard Derby fan his whole life and ended up watching me for Forest, so his love for Derby went away a little to the point now he has no affiliation for them and just follows me. I’ve sort of ruined it for the whole family really. They don’t know who to support now!”
If Osborn does become available on a free transfer this summer, the fact he supports the Rams could play right into their hands when discussing a deal.