Leeds United have learned that midfield target Lewis O'Brien is keen to join, according to Football Insider. 

The lowdown

The same publication claimed on Friday that 'preliminary talks' over a deal for the Huddersfield Town ace are underway.

O'Brien made 42 Championship appearances for the Terriers last season, scoring three goals and providing as many assists.

An all-round option, he averaged two tackles, one interception, 1.1 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes over the course of the campaign (via WhoScored).

O'Brien, Huddersfield's Player of the Year in 2019/20, has been praised for his 'incredible' fitness levels and 'never seems to get tired'.

The 22-year-old is into the final year of his deal, but the club have the option to extend it for a further 12 months. He's valued at £2.7million by Transfermarkt.

The latest

The Whites have reportedly been 'given encouragement via third parties' that the 'ambitious' O'Brien wants to play Premier League football under Marcelo Bielsa.

Now, though, 'much will depend' on whether Leeds are willing to meet Huddersfield's demands.

O'Brien is apparently viewed as an alternative to Conor Gallagher, who opted to joined Crystal Palace on loan from Chelsea.

The verdict

O'Brien would be a real asset to Leeds given his versatility - he's been used as a central midfielder, no. 10, left-back and left midfielder - not to mention his aforementioned lung capacity, making him a perfect fit for Bielsa's intense system.

You can understand why they missed out on Gallagher. Game-time would have been his priority when going out on loan, and there's considerably less at competition at Palace.

O'Brien, by contrast, is eager to make the move, and the signs are that he ticks all the boxes as a plan-B.

In other news, a Serie A expert has delivered a major update on Leeds' pursuit of Nahitan Nandez.