Former West Brom player Carlton Palmer believes it will be difficult for the club to sign Lewis O’Brien this summer.

The Huddersfield Town midfielder has been linked with a move to the Hawthorns, but Palmer believes there are also several Premier League clubs also interested in his services.

The 56-year old played for the Baggies from 1984 to 1989, but has admitted that it will be difficult for the club to compete with top flight sides in competition for the signing.

The former midfielder does think that if West Brom can offer O’Brien a greater guarantee of playing time than their rivals then that would put the club back in a position to compete for the 23-year old.

“There's a lot of Premier Premier League clubs interested in him,” Palmer told Football League World.

“I've been told Leeds, Wolves, Crystal Palace, Burnley, Brighton, Southampton all keen to sign him. 

“So if there's a release clause then it’d still would rule West Brom out, I would have thought unless he decides that he wants to play regularly. 

“And if he believes that West Brom is the team for him to play regularly, and there is a release clause, and West Brom could meet that release clause at £10 to 15 million, I think it's something that they would be interested in.”

 

 

O’Brien had a standout campaign with the Terriers as they finished 3rd in the Championship table.

However, a play-off final loss to Nottingham Forest secured their place in the second division for another season.

That has seen interest rise in the player’s future, with a number of clubs hoping to lure him away from the John Smith Stadium this summer.

The Verdict

O’Brien had a great season in Carlos Corberan’s side so this much interest makes sense.

Palmer’s analysis is right to judge West Brom as an unfavourable next destination for the midfielder should he leave Huddersfield.

The lure of the Premier League should be too much for the Baggies to compete with.

However, if O’Brien believes he will be second choice in a top flight side then perhaps he should prioritise playing time with any potential move this window.