Leeds boss Thomas Christiansen has inherited O’Kane from the previous Whites regime.
O’Kane was brought to Leeds at the start of last season by Christiansen’s predecessor Garry Monk, and went on to make 22 starts for his new employers.
Eunan O’Kane in action for Leeds United
But the Irishman saw his game time diminish in the second half of the campaign, in which he spent six straight matches as an unused substitute.
And with his contract due to expire in 2018, O’Kane found himself linked with a move away from Elland Road earlier in the transfer window.
But after playing every minute of Leeds’ 2017-18 Championship season, and then putting pen to paper on a new four-year deal last week, it’s clear that he is highly regarded by Christiansen.
And Barclay writes: “The length of (O’Kane’s) deal may come as a shock but from the outside but not from within Elland Road.
“My spies tell me new boss Thomas Christiansen absolutely loves the Irish playmaker, and calls him ‘Xabi Alonso’.”
New Leeds boss Thomas Christiansen
Alonso initially made his name at Real Sociedad, before starring for Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich before his retirement this summer.
The 35-year-old former Spain international won four domestic titles, two Champions Leagues, two European Championships and a World Cup throughout his career.
How big a player can O’Kane be for Leeds United?
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