Leeds United are preparing a fresh approach for English midfielder Lewis O’Brien as Huddersfield remain open to conclude a deal.
According to Football Insider, Leeds United are reportedly preparing a fresh approach for Lewis O’Brien as they hope to conclude a deal during the January window. Huddersfield Town have indicated they might be willing to let the 22-year-old English midfielder leave, although they remain unhappy with the structure of the agreement from Leeds.
Lewis O’Brien was one of the prominent names followed by Leeds United during the summer, as a move seemed imminent. The midfielder has a year left on his current deal, although Huddersfield Town have a one-year extension option.
The Championship club reportedly rejected four bids from Leeds United over the summer, although they have indicated the latest bid meets the asking price. However, Huddersfield Town’s chairman has stated unhappiness over the deal’s structure, as the club likely seeks more guarantees.
Club chairman Phil Hodgkinson explained how the club rejected at least four offers from Leeds, with the latest reported at £13 million, including add ons. However, the Huddersfield boss wanted more guarantees over how much cash would flow into the club through the deal.
?️ "The fourth offer we rejected was for £13 million."
Huddersfield Town chairman Phil Hodgkinson lifts the lid on Leeds United's interest in Lewis O'Brien and why they couldn't reach agreement.
Full interview with Phil Hodgkinson coming soon#htafc #lufc #bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/pFQGiir9Cl
— BBC Sport West Yorkshire (@BBCWYS) September 9, 2021
Marcelo Bielsa likes O’Brien as he sees the midfielder as the perfect addition to his all-action style of play. Leeds continued to hold talks with the player’s agent, Kevin Sharp, behind the scenes and could reach an agreement with a fresh approach.
A move could transpire as soon as the January window, as Bielsa remains keen on bringing the English star as quickly as possible.
Moreover, O’Brien was very interested in making a move and taking the next step in his promising career. From what we can read about the deal, it does seem like Leeds would improve the terms of their latest offer worth £13 million and structure it for Huddersfield’s liking.
O’Brien is not considered a sure starter at Leeds. Bielsa has an established midfield pairing at the club, and he likes the Huddersfield star to provide cover and competition for existing stars such as Kalvin Phillips. In every sense, though, O’Brien will be a valuable addition to this Leeds squad.
