
The 26-year-old, whose previous clubs include Middlesbrough and Bradford City, has lost favor at Nottingham Forest.
Blackburn Rovers and Hull have reportedly expressed interest in him since the conclusion of his loan stint with Los Angeles FC.
However, Preston now appear to have joined the race for the energetic midfielder. According to reporter Alan Nixon on his Patreon page, the Lilywhites have entered negotiations regarding a loan agreement.
The report claims Hull are willing to fork out the money required for O’Brien, but that their lowly league position does not appeal to the player.
Blackburn, meanwhile, are said to have backed away after enquiring.
Sheffield United were linked with O’Brien during the reign of Paul Heckingbottom, who is now in charge of Preston.
He took the reins at Deepdale early in the campaign following Ryan Lowe’s abrupt exit just one game in.
Leeds United have also been linked with O’Brien in recent years, but are now stacked with options in the central midfield area.
An experienced operator at Championship level, O’Brien has made 146 appearances In England’s second tier.