Orta works his magic as Leeds prep improved bid for midfield target

Lewis O’Brien reportedly wants to secure a move to Leeds United over rival interest from Crystal Palace amid claims the Whites could soon have an increased offer accepted by Huddersfield Town.

After a promising first season back in the Premier League, Leeds are looking to consolidate their status this season. After securing the signings of Junior Firpo and Kristoffer Klaesson, United next want to bolster their midfield.

As it stands their squad is weaker than last season after the exits of Pablo Hernandez and Gaetano Berardi. But it’s their lack of midfield options that needs addressing the most.

With Kalvin Phillips featuring only as an unusued substitute at Old Trafford, Manchester United brutally exposed their weaknesses to win 5-1.

Indeed, with Robin Koch being asked to operate in a holding midfield role, it’s clear Leeds do need more strength in depth.

Having missed out on Conor Callagher, Leeds are now also competing with Palace for Huddersfield’s O’Brien.

The 22-year-old midfielder is one of the most promising talents in the Championship. He made 42 appearances in the second tier last season, contributing three goals and three assists.

And it seems O’Brien has the potential to step up and the solution could be a move across Yorkshire.

Leeds keen on Rangers' Ryan Kent

Leeds United could step in to sign long-standing target Ryan Kent from Rangers after the Ibrox club may have to reassess their finances after they were knocked out of the Champions League.

However, after reportedly seeing an opening £5m offer rejected, Leeds have been considering their next move.

Now, according to Leeds Live, citing The Sun, Leeds are set to increase their offer to £7m in an effort to twist Town’s arm. They are said to value O’Brien at nearer £10m. However, it’s reported Victor Orta is now growing increasingly hopeful that a move will be agreed.

Furthermore, it’s claimed O’Brien has set his heart on a move across West Yorkshire to link up with Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

The 22-year-old is yet to feature for Town this season having tested positive for Covid-19.

Agbonlahor slams Leeds tactics

Gabriel Agbonlahor, meanwhile, has called on Bielsa to adjust his tactics for certain games. The controversial pundit was speaking in the wake of Leeds’ 5-1 opening-day drubbing at Old Trafford.

And having lost their 6-2 last season, he thinks Leeds have lessons to learn.

“Leeds need to change their tactics for different games and they’ll get better results,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT. “How can you lose 6-2 last season and have the same tactics this season?

“It’s naïve from Leeds. Pushing too many bodies forward, allowing Manchester United to have that many players go forward.

“You have a Mason Greenwood one v one, Paul Pogba one v one, Bruno Fernandes running through the midfield with no one following him.

“It doesn’t make a lot of sense and Leeds are going to get a lot of these defeats this season if they still play like that. You have to change your tactics for each game.

“It’s different if you’re playing Norwich, they’d probably get away with that. When you’re playing Manchester United, the first home game of the season, they’re always going to be on the front foot. Leeds need to change the way they play against bigger teams.”

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