Transfer update emerges on Leeds United’s pursuit of Huddersfield Town star amid Newcastle, Wolves links | OneFootball

Premier League side Leeds United are no longer pursuing Huddersfield Town midfield Lewis O’Brien despite intense interest in the summer, according to Daily Mirror journalist David Anderson who spoke to Give Me Sport.

The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Elland Road during the previous transfer window, with the midfielder previously reported to have been prepared to tell officials at the John Smith’s Stadium that he wanted a move to their West Yorkshire neighbours.

Another top-flight outfit in Crystal Palace were thought to have been considering hijacking this potential deal as they continued to scan the EFL for talent following the signing of Reading’s Michael Olise.

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Harry Toffolo

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In the end though, it was Marcelo Bielsa’s men who had established themselves as the front runners for his signature as they eyed a midfield reinforcement, though a move fail to materialise despite the Whites launching multiple bids in an attempt to lure him away from the second-tier side.

With Leeds still requiring a midfielder to add to their repertoire, they have been linked with numerous players including Reading’s John Swift and ex-West Bromwich Albion loanee Okay Yokuslu.

They were even said to have retained their interest in the Terriers’ key man along with Burnley, Newcastle United, Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers who had also joined the race.

That is no longer the case, however, according to journalist Anderson who said: “I’ve been told that the Lewis O’Brien ship has sailed now (for Leeds).

“Of course, he has since signed his new deal at Huddersfield and he seems settled there for now.”

The new contract O’Brien signed in September is not due to expire until the summer of 2025.

The Verdict:

It did almost seem inevitable in the summer that O’Brien would go to Leeds.

Not only was he at the point in his previous contract where Huddersfield could have demanded the most amount of money for him, but the 23-year-old has spent the entirety of his playing career in Yorkshire with the Terriers and a loan spell at Bradford City, so this seemed like the next natural step.

However, signing that new deal may have scuppered his chances for now with Reading’s Swift out of contract at the end of the season and Bielsa a known admirer of him. The Royals are unlikely to be able to tie him down to a new deal considering their financial situation and current league position, giving Leeds a real chance of securing his signature.

You certainly wouldn’t rule out the Whites renewing their interest in O’Brien at some point in the future though – and could be an ideal early-summer signing for the top-tier side knowing he will have a full pre-season under his belt with Premier League players before making the step up to the top tier.

But at the same time, you could also argue that they need a midfielder now to prove them with the depth needed to remain afloat in the top flight, so it will be interesting to see what happens regarding this situation.