Bristol City to miss out on target as Crystal Palace transfer demands prove difficult

Jake O’Brien is expected to rejoin, RWD Molenbeek, according to reports, which is likely to end any speculation linking him with a move to Bristol City.

The Belgian club are said by Belgian outlet DH Les Sports to be ‘making it one of their priorities’ to re-sign the centre-back. It is in addition to HLN’s report on Tuesday, which said that he is likely to return to Belgium for a second season, and that manager Vincent Euvrard is expecting him to return.

In January, the Robins made an attempt to sign O’Brien on loan, but were priced out of a move, and opted against paying over the odds. O’Brien was out on loan at Molenbeek, who are owned by Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor, and the Eagles who own the player, wanted them to cover more of his wages.

Last month, Nigel Pearson publicly admitted his interest in O’Brien, and made a transfer revelation about the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international. He was critical of the loan market, and his words likely made it a tougher ask of signing the 22-year-old.

He said: “I’ve spoken on many occasions that they can be an expensive thing to do, so there’s a centre-back we were linked with from Crystal Palace, who was over in Belgium.

“From what he was earning from what Crystal Palace wanted, they wanted four times what he was earning to come here on loan. It’s not really player development is it?

“On their part that’s - we want to make some money on our player going out on loan. For me, that underlines why I don’t want to do that kind of business. I don’t want to do that type of business, that’s nonsense.”

Despite speculation linking him with a move away from Selhurst Park, he played the entire match in Crystal Palace’s 4-0 friendly win over Crawley Town. He played the full 90 minutes and completed 80 out of his 85 passes, whilst also taking 92 touches of the ball.

Earlier this summer, it was reported that Manchester City owned club Troyes, had made an offer for O’Brien but that was rejected. He has had interest across the continent with clubs in France, Belgium and Poland holding an interest, as well as Bristol City’s Championship rivals.

Bristol City have already recruited one centre-back this summer with Rob Dickie signing from QPR, after the club moved quickly after being made aware of his availability. Both Ross McCrorie and Haydon Roberts are also capable of playing the role, as well as Kal Naismith who is currently sidelined, and Cam Pring.

A new centre-back could be needed if Tomas Kalas delivers his long outstanding decision to the club. He was offered a new contract in May, but explored the market, and is now considered a free agent after his initial contract with the club expired. Nigel Pearson stated his desire to work with the player again, but his deal is on significantly reduced terms, and the Czech Republic international was not part of the recent pre-season tour in Austria.