Planet Swans ArchivesThe reports – made on Hibernian's Footy Mad website – suggest that Championship Rivals Swansea and Barnsley have joined the race to secure the services of the man who joined Hibs from Newcastle last season.
The Edinburgh based club stumped up £350,000 to obtain the signature of O'Brien and the report suggests that he is Hibernian's best paid player at around £4,000 per week. The web site also states that they believe that he has failed to impress in the Scottish Premier League and this has now led to the speculation that he could be on his way.
Preston North End and Hartlepool have also been linked with a move for O'Brien who clearly seems to be a man in demand whilst Crewe tried to sign him on loan back in the January transfer window before seeing the player himself ruled out.
A five horse race for the player now seems a real possibility although any interest in O'Brien from the Liberty is at the moment unconfirmed
O'Brien made 27 appearances for Hibs last season although 20 of them were from the bench and there were no goals for the player who also spent some time on loan at Carlisle back in 2005.
