Everton are now confident about beating both West Ham and Nottingham Forest to a transfer target.
The Toffees have already signed Tim Iroegbunam and Iliman Ndiaye from Aston Villa and Marseille respectively.
Now, those at Everton are confident about convincing another player to move to Goodison Park…
Everton believe Jake O’Brien would choose Goodison Park move
A story in Sunday’s print version of The Sun (page 57, 7th July) states that Everton believe Lyon No.12 Jake O’Brien would choose a move to Merseyside ahead of joining either West Ham or Nottingham Forest.
It is said that Everton value the Republic of Ireland international at £20m – although Lyon want £30m to sell him this summer.
If that gap in valuation can be bridged by Kevin Thelwell – Director of Football at Goodison Park – it would seem the Toffees are confident about striking personal terms with the central defender, as there is a belief he prefers Everton to the Hammers or the Reds.
Furthermore, The Sun add that several clubs have been alerted to the potential availability of Michael Keane – who sounds like he will be put up for sale if a deal for O’Brien materialises.
Toffees should not meet £30m valuation
Everton are right to be wary of Lyon’s £30m asking price – it would represent a major risk to spend such a sum on O’Brien right now.
The Irishman – who is 23 years of age – has only just finished his first full season in a major European league, having previously spent the last couple of campaigns on loan at Swindon Town and RWD Molenbeek from Crystal Palace.
Lyon signed O’Brien for just €1m (£847,211) in August 2023, and while he did enjoy an impressive 2023/24 campaign with four goals and two assists in 27 Ligue 1 appearances, he still has a lot to prove.
Therefore, a £30m move would represent a major gamble for Everton – to say the least.
