Everton ready to join race for int'l defender fast as rival approach made - report

Everton are still interested in signing Jake O’Brien and could quickly come forward to join the race, according to Foot Mercato.

The French outlet reported via their website on 24 July that Brentford have emerged with an interest in the centre-back after West Ham withdrew after signing Max Kilman from Wolves.

Thomas Frank’s side have contacted Lyon over the 23-year-old’s potential availability this summer but the Toffees are ready to respond fast if necessary.

Everton have been following the Republic of Ireland international since the January transfer window last season.

Everton still interested in Lyon defender

If Sean Dyche can keep hold of Jarrad Branthwaite through the whole transfer window then it is debatable whether O’Brien would be a viable option.

He started throughout the majority of the Ligue 1 season for Lyon last term so is unlikely to want to sit behind the England international and James Tarkowski, unless the Toffees boss has a mind to drop the latter to the bench.

Everton have made clear to Manchester United that the takeover collapse hasn’t changed their stance on selling Branthwaite [David Ornstein, 20 July].

But that has been dismissed as a negotiating tactic and the lack of obvious routes to additional revenue once the transfer window closes is said to make further sales inevitable this summer [The Esk, 20 July].

Either way Ben Godfrey has already made a permanent exit to Serie A with Atalanta so unless Mason Holgate is slated for a promotion there is still the need to replace the former Norwich man.

Depending on his availability and his price that might be a role that O’Brien could be wanted for but if Brentford are ready to offer a regular starting position it would probably be a tough sell to bring the Irishman to Goodison.

In other Everton news, Farhad Moshiri has a takeover offer on the table after Dan Friedkin’s buy-out collapsed.

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