Sources: Crystal Palace hijack Leeds United bid to sign O’Brien
Crystal Palace are lining up a second Leeds United hijack after registering their interest in Lewis O’Brien, Football Insider can exclusively reveal.
The Londoners have already stolen Conor Gallagher under United’s noses after they had been favourites to secure the deal.
Now a Palace source has told Football Insider that the club are rivalling Marcelo Bielsa’s side for Huddersfield midfielder O’Brien.
Leeds have held talks with the Terriers over a deal for the 22-year-old but have been unable to match their asking price.
Palace boss Vieira is keen to further reshape his midfield by adding another injection of youth to his midfield.
He has already signed Gallagher, 21, on loan from Chelsea, while Michael Olise, 19, has joined permanently from Reading.
The Eagles have now set their sights on beating Leeds to O'Brien's capture.
As detailed by this site (August 6th), Marcelo Bielsa's men tabled an opening offer of no more than £3million for the 22-year-old.
The Terriers initially demanded £10million for the midfielder but would likely accept a seven-figure fee.
As revealed by Football Insider earlier today (August 12th), Bielsa is "exasperated" Leeds are yet to make a breakthrough in negotiations.
United had hoped to recruit a new central midfielder weeks ago.
However, the standoff in talks could open the door for Palace to make a move.
O'Brien is into the final 12 months of his contract at Huddersfield.
However, the Terriers do have the option of triggering a one-year extension clause.
The academy graduate has played 82 times for the Yorkshire outfit.
O'Brien played the full 90 minutes in the League Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday at the start of August.
However, he did not feature in the Championship clash against Derby.