Crystal Palace man ‘close’ to new move amid reported interest from Barnsley and Bristol Rovers

Crystal Palace defender Jake O’Brien is reportedly poised to join Belgian side RWD Molenbeek on loan.

The centre-back spent the second-half of the past campaign with Swindon Town in League Two.

O’Brien, 21, has been linked with a return to the Football League before the end of the transfer window.

However, The Athletic report he is ‘close’ to making the switch to the Belgian second tier along with teammate Luke Plange.

Crystal Palace situation

Crystal Palace swooped to sign the youngster from his local side Cork City last year and he has since enjoyed plenty of game time with their U23s.

The Republic of Ireland youth international was given the green light to join Swindon in the last January window and ended up making 21 appearances for the Robins in all competitions.

The Sun reported earlier this summer that Barnsley were keen to lure him to Oakwell following their relegation from the Championship.

Journalist Alan Nixon then claimed on his Patreon that Bristol Rovers wanted him to bolster their options at the back.

However, the League One pair may now miss out on a potential deal to RWD Molenbeek.

They play their football in the Challenger Pro League and are owned by John Textor, who is a co-owner at Crystal Palace.

Other news

In other news, the Eagles have been linked with a move for Leicester City midfielder Boubakary Soumare, as per Foot Mercato.

The 23-year-old only joined the Foxes last year but has struggled to make an impact at the King Power Stadium.