Leeds United may struggle to sign Lewis O’Brien because of a failure to agree a transfer fee with Huddersfield Town, according to journalist Phil Hay.
The Lowdown: O’Brien continually linked with move
The Whites have been linked with signing the 22-year-old numerous times in recent weeks, with his future seemingly lying away from the John Smith’s Stadium.
Crystal Palace have also emerged as potential suitors, though, so Leeds could face a battle to get their man.
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The Latest: Hay provides key update
Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic after Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Everton on Saturday, Hay gave a fresh update on the situation, admitting that the fee is the current issue preventing the move from happening. He outlined:
“The fee is the stumbling block for O’Brien and I don’t think there’s any doubt that he’d like to come but Huddersfield will have a valuation and to be fair, it’s their prerogative to set the price.”
The Verdict: Good squad signing
O’Brien may not be considered an automatic starter if he comes to Elland Road, but he could provide some welcome midfield squad depth, especially in light of Kalvin Phillips’ absence for the 5-1 defeat at Manchester United last weekend.
At 22, the £5,000-per-week Huddersfield man is still very much improving as a player, so he would be considered a long-term acquisition who could thrive working under Marcelo Bielsa. He has also been hailed as “sensational” by Terriers team-mate Jonathan Hogg for the energetic attributes he brings to the Championship side.
It is important that Leeds don’t overspend on O’Brien, though, and if they feel he is too expensive, they could be wise to look elsewhere for a midfield signing.
In other news, some Leeds fans were critical of one player’s performance against Everton. Find out who it is here.
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