'I'm told...' - Journo shares if Everton have plans to sell 'agitated' star in January

Everton do not plan to offload Jake O’Brien in the January transfer window despite the defender being “agitated”, according to Graeme Bailey.

O’Brien joined the Toffees from Lyon for £16.4million in the summer [BBC], but has found playing time hard to come by at Goodison Park, clocking just 26 minutes of league action.

However, speaking to Everton.News on 16 November, Bailey revealed that the Merseyside-based club still rate him highly and have no intentions of parting with him mid-way through the season.

“The Everton hierarchy are not looking to let him go”, the journalist said.

“Obviously he’s not first choice with [Sean] Dyche. Not an ideal scenario for him, but I’m told that they don’t particularly want to let him go.

“But yeah they appreciate the player is a bit agitated as he’s not playing.

“They’ll see how it plays out and I think the hierarchy rate him quite highly.”

Everton stance over Jake O’Brien January sale revealed

O’Brien’s situation at Everton is a bit of a head-scratcher as one would have expected him to feature more often, especially since Jarrad Branthwaite missed seven of their first eight league games due to injury.

James Tarkowski and Michael Keane did not particularly instil confidence in the initial games, but Dyche still opted against handing the 23-year-old a league start.

The Ireland international, though, has shown a great attitude, stressing the need for him to remain patient to get his chance.

Therefore, it might only be a matter of time before the former Crystal Palace starts playing regularly for the Merseyside outfit.

Bailey reported in October that the Toffees could add a new centre-back to their ranks in January amid O’Brien’s situation at the club.

However, with the journalist now revealing that the club do not plan to offload the Irishman, it remains to be seen if a defender will come through the doors at Goodison.

In other Everton news, the Toffees have been handed a major boost in signing this player after what his agent said.

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