Palace and Vieira want to capitalise on possible Leeds relegation by signing 'very special' star

Crystal Palace are keen on signing Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien ahead of Leeds United this summer, according to TEAMtalk.

O’Brien is 23 years of age and has been with The Terriers since 2019. Primarily a central midfielder who can also turn out in an attacking midfield role, O’Brien has been described as a ‘very special’ talent by Carlos Corberan.

He has made 47 appearances in all competitions this season and could reach 50 at Wembley, should Huddersfield beat Luton Town in the Championship playoff semi-final.

O’Brien has captained Huddersfield on multiple occasions in 2021/22 and has turned out in seven different positions, with his displays seemingly catching the eye of Patrick Vieira.

TEAMtalk shared an update regarding O’Brien on Wednesday, claiming Leeds are finally looking to secure a deal for their long-term target, who they even bid for last summer.

Any move would depend on the Whites remaining in the Premier League, something which looks increasingly unlikely with two games to go.

Palace are one of five more top-flight sides looking to capitalise if the Elland Road outfit do go down and therefore miss out, with O’Brien’s meagre £12m release clause seemingly causing quite the battle for his signature.

Palace have just three central midfielders on the books at Selhurst Park, one of which being Conor Gallagher, who looks set to return to Chelsea in the summer.

Therefore, a new central midfielder could be beneficial ahead of Vieira’s second season in charge, and it looks as if it is just a matter of time until O’Brien plays in the Premier League.

That could be with Huddersfield or even Leeds, but if both are Championship sides for the 2022/23 campaign, a Palace swoop for a £12m fee could be a wise move