Bolton Wanderers and Huddersfield Town have reportedly joined Peterborough United in the race to sign Aston Villa prospect Tommi O’Reilly after an impressive season in League Two.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has caught attention across the EFL while on loan at Crewe Alexandra, where his performances have turned him into one of the division’s most productive creative players this season.
Interest in the Villa youngster had already emerged earlier in the month when it was revealed that Peterborough United were tracking him as part of their forward planning ahead of the summer transfer window. Now, fresh reports suggest Bolton Wanderers and Huddersfield Town are also monitoring the situation closely as they assess options to strengthen their attacking ranks.
Tommi O’Reilly impressing
The player is currently enjoying a highly productive campaign with Crewe, contributing six goals and double-figure assists in League Two. That level of output has made him one of the standout young creators in the division, attracting attention from clubs looking to add creativity and attacking threat for next season.
For Peterborough, the interest is thought to be linked to the growing attention surrounding one of their current attackers. The club are believed to be preparing for the possibility of losing Cian Hayes during the next transfer window, prompting recruitment staff to identify potential replacements early.
The Villa academy graduate fits the kind of profile Peterborough have targeted successfully in recent years. The club have built a reputation for recruiting young attacking talent with resale value, giving them a platform in League One before moving them on for significant profit.
However, the emergence of Bolton and Huddersfield as rival suitors could complicate that plan.
Bigger clubs circling
Bolton are continuing to shape their squad with promotion ambitions firmly in mind. The club have been active in the market over the past few windows, looking for players capable of adding creativity and technical quality in advanced areas. A young attacking midfielder who has already demonstrated the ability to produce goals and assists would fit that approach.
Huddersfield’s situation is slightly different but equally important. With the Terriers pushing to remain competitive in the upper reaches of League One, the club are expected to review their attacking options in the summer. Bringing in a versatile creator capable of operating centrally or from the flanks could help refresh their forward line.