Leeds’ stance on EFL deal detailed amid fresh Crystal Palace and West Ham links

Leeds United are still pursuing Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien, journalist Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport, amid fresh links to Crystal Palace and West Ham United

Yesterday, the Huddersfield Daily Examiner (print edition, 9th June, back page) reported that Palace, Southampton, and West Ham all hold an interest in the Terriers midfielder.

O’Brien helped Carlos Corberan’s side reach the Championship play-off final in 2021/22 but they fell short of promotion and with a reported £12 million release clause in his contract, it could be tough for them to keep hold of him.

The summer transfer window is now open and, speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has indicated that the Whites remain keen on bringing the 23-year-old to Elland Road.

Asked about their interest in O’Brien and Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino, He said: “Definitely still on the table, both of those players. Obviously, I think the issue with Minamino is always the potential that Liverpool look to work him into another deal that helps them replace Mane if he ends up going, so that’s probably one fear on that side of things.

“But Lewis O’Brien and Minamino are definitely still players being pursued.”

Leeds have already signed RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson this summer while £10m-rated Bayern Munich’s Marc Roca is also said to be a target.

Whether adding the Spaniard to Jesse Marsch’s ranks will see the Whites’ pursuit of O’Brien curbed remains to be seen.

The Verdict 

The transfer window is open and O’Brien looks set to be one of the Championship players chased by Premier League clubs.

Palace and West Ham’s interest was reiterated yesterday while it appears Leeds remain in the race for him.

They were short of numbers in midfield last season but