Crystal Palace are interested in Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O'Brien, according to the print edition of the Huddersfield Daily Examiner (via Football League World).
The lowdown
Palace and manager Patrick Vieira appear to be in the market for a new midfield player during the summer transfer window.
Conor Gallagher is returning to Chelsea after starting 33 of the Eagles' 38 Premier League matches last season, and the future of out-of-contract option Cheikhou Kouyate has yet to be resolved.
Palace are reportedly working on a deal for Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure, while they're also said to be seriously considering a swoop for Rangers' Joe Aribo.
O'Brien, 23, is predominantly a central midfielder but he can also play in a more withdrawn role.
Last season, he started 46 out of 49 Championship matches for the Terriers, playing the full 90 minutes as they lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest in the play-off final.
The latest
Palace are one of three Premier League sides keen on O'Brien, along with West Ham United and Southampton, says the report.
All suitors have the option to trigger the £12million release clause in the player's contract, at which point it would be down to him to pick his preferred move.
The verdict
O'Brien would be a solid, reasonably-priced addition for Palace.
He has a well-rounded skill-set, directly contributing to six goals (three goals, three assists), and averaging one key pass, 2.1 dribbles and 2.1 tackles per game (via WhoScored).
These numbers stack up well against Gallagher (1.1 key passes, 1.3 dribbles, two tackles), though he would perhaps have to score more goals if he was to adequately fill the void, with the Chelsea man bagging eight over the course of the season.
O'Brien was, of course, playing in a lower division, but he showed top-flight class in the second tier. Indeed, journalist Mark Douglas believes the 'terrific' midfielder is 'destined' to play at the highest level.
And manager Carlos Corberan has heaped praise on one of his star players, dubbing him 'special' and 'exceptional'.
In other news, read the latest update on a key Palace target.