Orta could prepare for Championship life with Leeds swoop for "special" £12m machine - opinion

Leeds United remain interested in Lewis O’Brien ahead of the summer transfer window…

That’s according to TEAMtalk, who claim that the Whites could complete unfinished business with the Huddersfield Town vice-skipper, who is believed to have a £12m release clause.

It’s thought that Leeds are ready to swoop after chasing the 23-year-old midfielder throughout last summer, with links also continuing during the winter.

However, it could be dependent on whether the Terriers can win promotion via the Championship playoffs, having impressed all season under Marcelo Bielsa’s former assistant Carlos Corberan, and he believes that the midfielder is “very special.”

The Yorkshire giants are sitting in a precarious spot in the Premier League right now – with two games to go, they are tied on points with Burnley in 17th, but they occupy one of the three relegation berths due to an inferior goal difference to the Clarets.

It’ll surely be one of those two teams who go down with Watford and Norwich City and after recent results, it’s very much looking likely to be Leeds, who were beaten 3-0 by Chelsea in midweek.

This could be a sign that director of football Victor Orta and co are already taking an eye on next season possibly being in the Championship, and there won’t be many better signings than O’Brien for that level.

His leadership qualities as vice-captain behind Jonathan Hogg is something that United have lacked, particularly in the heart of the pitch, whilst he is a calming influence who likes to get up the pitch, making a pivot alongside Kalvin Phillips – should he stay – an intriguing prospect.

After six goal contributions from 42 league games last season, the Colchester-born dynamo has managed to provide another three goals and