Everton ready move to sign 'like-for-like' Branthwaite replacement in cut-price deal - report

Everton are considering a move for Lyon defender Jake O’Brien as a potential replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The newspaper reported in its print edition (page 73, 23 June) that Branthwaite is expected to move to Manchester United despite the Toffees rejecting an initial £35million offer for the defender.

Everton view O’Brien as a “like-for-like alternative for Branthwaite.”

Several clubs are keeping an eye on the 23-year-old who Lyon value at £15million. However, Crystal Palace’s sell-on clause could impact the centre-back’s price.

Will Everton sign Jake O’Brien to replace Jarrad Branthwaite?

It is hard to imagine there will be many supporters at Goodison Park best pleased about the prospect of losing Branthwaite.

The 22-year-old was arguably the club’s best player last season and has demonstrated he has the potential to develop into one of the Premier League’s best defenders.

If it were up to Everton, they would likely keep hold of Branthwaite indefinitely.

However, financial troubles could force the Blues into selling their star defender, which would therefore mean a replacement is needed.

Replacing Branthwaite won’t be easy, although O’Brien could prove to be a smart addition.

He has impressed since moving to France from Palace as part of a bargain £1million transfer last summer.

In addition, O’Brien is still young and signing him for a fraction of the price that they sell Branthwaite for could end up proving to be a good bit of business for the Toffees at Goodison Park.

In other Everton news, the club have won the lottery after a multi-million deal was agreed at Goodison Park.

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