SAINTS have been named in a six-way battle to sign Huddersfield Town star Lewis O’Brien, with the 23-year-old reportedly set for a Premier League chance.

The midfielder has pulled the strings for the Terriers this campaign as they look to seal promotion out of the Championship and back into the top-flight.

Finishing third in the division, they now face a playoff contest with Luton Town to reach the coveted Wembley final.

However, according to a report by TEAMtalk, O’Brien’s future at the Yorkshire side could depend on promotion with a number of Premier League clubs circling.

The Colchester-born ace, who was Huddersfield’s player of the season for 2019-20, reportedly has a release clause of around £12million.

O’Brien is vice-captain at Huddersfield and the report details interest from Leeds United, Wolves, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Brighton – as well as Saints.

They add that Leeds had been chasing the midfielder last summer too, but the likelihood is that both they and Huddersfield could be in the Championship next season.

O’Brien, who has a contract at the club to 2025, has made 128 appearances for Huddersfield across the last three seasons, scoring eight goals.

Saints are set to be able to act earlier on transfer targets under new owners Sport Republic, and may feel that another midfield option is needed.

Captain James Ward-Prowse and Oriol Romeu start nearly every game for manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, but the latter will turn 31-years-old this September.

Options in the squad also include young players Ibrahima Diallo and Will Smallbone.

Leadership is an area in which Saints are lacking, and O’Brien’s experience at such a young age could become a useful tool as they look to rebuild the squad this summer.

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