Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa remains a big admirer of Huddersfield midfielder Lewis O'Brien amid January transfer links, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Lowdown: O'Brien continues to be linked with Leeds

Few players have been linked with a move to Elland Road as much as O'Brien has in recent months, in a story which refuses to go away.

The 23-year-old is still being tipped to join Leeds, and with Kalvin Phillips currently out injured, the need to bring in a new midfielder this month is undeniable.

O'Brien has continued to be a key player for Huddersfield this season, starting 24 Championship matches and being hailed as 'very special' by his manager Carlos Corberan.

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The Latest: Journalist makes fresh O'Brien claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O'Rourke talked up Bielsa's love for the player, perhaps hinting at Leeds making a move for him.

He outlined: "I think he was interested in O'Brien. He does like him as a player. He thinks he's got the style and profile that fits the way he wants to play football."

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The Verdict: Snap him up, Leeds

It is easy to look down on O'Brien because he is playing in the Championship, but Bielsa's admiration for him speaks volumes and he is someone who could be an exciting coup.

He possesses bucketloads of energy and quality in the middle of the park, possessing a similar style to Phillips and averaging 2.8 tackles and 1.9 dribbles per game in the league this season.

That highlights O'Brien's quality both on and off the ball, and at 23, he is someone who could make an immediate difference as well as being a long-term acquisition for Leeds if they can finally entice him to make the short move across West Yorkshire.

In other news, one journalist has made a Raphinha transfer claim. Read more here.