Leeds United extends Andy O'Brien loan
Leeds United has extended the loan deal for Bolton Wanderers defender Andy O'Brien until January.
O'Brien joined Leeds last month after it became clear he was not going to figure in the Bolton first team. He has done well since joining Leeds playing in five games and scoring in one.
"I'm happy to announce that we have agreed with Bolton to extend his loan until January," Chairman Ken Bates told
Yorkshire radio.
There are clear intentions by Leeds to keep the player for much longer. However, Bates' comments have suggested that Leeds is not in a position to make a bid to sign the defender
on a permanent basis.
Leeds also has to account for the possibility that Bolton may call back O'Brien after the next deal expires due to any unforeseen circumstances. Bolton have a busy winter schedule
just like any other club in the Premier League. This would leave a hole in the Leeds defence should Bolton need him back.
"We've got him now until January 4 and then hopefully we'll be talking to Bolton
to see if we can keep him beyond that," added Bates.
Bates has also confirmed that O'Brien seems happy at the club and is enjoying his time there. This should make any further loan deals after this one a matter of agreeing
terms again between parties.
Bates also says the 31-year-old is having a positive impact around the club. This suggests that Leeds is letting the defender have free reign in terms of using his experience
in a positive way. This is encouraging because it shows O'Brien is doing some active work away from the field as well.
"He's certainly been a great figure in the defence and he's enjoying it,"
said Bates.
Betting advice
Leeds is a good bet to go up to the Premier League through the play-offs. The club currently sits fifth in the table and the side is playing well. There is no doubt that Leeds
will concede fewer goals for all the time that O'Brien is a central figure in the defence.
Tags: