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Gary Rowett is expected to continue his pursuit of Ben Osborn this summer, by launching a bid to take the Nottingham Forest midfielder to Stoke City.

Osborn was the subject of unsuccessful last minute interest from Rowett’s Derby during the January window.

Following the significant strengthening Forest did in the middle of the pitch, the Rams are understood to have made an enquiry about Osborn on deadline day.

The message that he was not for sale is understood to have been swiftly delivered, however.

But now that Rowett has left Pride Park to take on the challenge of leading newly relegated Stoke back into the Premier League, it is understood that the Potters boss is preparing to make a fresh effort to sign the 23-year-old.

(Image: Phil Greig/Stoke City)

Newly promoted Blackburn are also believed to be interested in Osborn, with Rovers set to back manager Tony Mowbray in the transfer market, following their return to the Championship.

Premier League Newcastle were also previously keeping tabs on the product of the Nigel Doughty Academy.

And, while Forest are not thought to be in any rush to part company with a player who is held in high regard by Aitor Karanka, it is increasingly likely that the Reds will have to deal with fresh interest in him.

Osborn has proved to be an important player for Forest over the last two seasons, when he has been involved in every Championship game, starting 42 games and making four sub appearances during the last campaign, chipping in with four goals.

(Image: Nottingham Forest FC)

In the 2016/17 season, Osborn started 45 games and was substitute for only one.

Last season again saw the midfielder demonstrate his versatility, playing as a left winger, a left sided forward, in the number 10 role, as an orthodox central midfielder and a deep lying central midfielder – before finishing the final months of the season playing as a left back.

Osborn, who turns 24 on August 5, the day after the new Championship season is due to kick-off, has made 164 starts and 24 sub appearances for the Reds, scoring 14 goals. He has largely been one of the first names on the team sheet under the last six Forest managers, since Gary Brazil gave him his debut at Ipswich in March 2014.

While he finished the last campaign filling the void at left back, Karanka regards Osborn as having a big role to play in midfield next season and Forest will not be in a hurry to sell, particularly not to any of their Championship rivals.