Bristol City remain in the driving seat to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Jake O’Brien, Bristol Live understands, despite interest growing in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international after an outstanding campaign on loan in Belgium’s second division
O’Brien has shone for RWD Molenbeek and was named in the Challenger Pro League’s Team of the Season after making 31 appearances. Molenbeek, part-owned by Palace shareholder John Textor, secured promotion to the Belgian Pro League and his performances have earned him a host of admirers across Europe.
Reports in France over the weekend revealed that Troyes have opened talks over the prospect of signing the 22-year-old and the French club are one of many who want to sign O’Brien as he enters the final year of his contract in south London. The powerful defender has interest elsewhere in France, Belgium, Poland and the Championship, however City remain towards the front of the queue and appear to be O’Brien’s preferential destination should a deal be struck with Palace.
