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Bryan King has questioned if Everton signing Jake O’Brien will open the door for Jarrad Branthwaite to leave before 30 August.

The Lyon defender is set to be announced at Goodison Park after completing his medical and signing a five-year contract [Fabrizio Romano].

The ex-Toffees scout admitted that the signing gives Sean Dyche great strength in the core of his side, with O’Brien set to go straight into the side.

“Does this open the door for Branthwaite to leave?” he exclusively told Goodison News.

“Obviously, if Branthwaite stays then O’Brien will be a good addition to the squad and give them some strength through the middle.

“O’Brien sounds more than capable. You can look at it both ways here, are they going to sell Branthwaite or are they going to partner him with O’Brien?

“It is a sensible transfer fee too. O’Brien is playing for a good club, he has got some experience and he has been signed to go straight into the team I would think.”

Jarrad Branthwaite to quit Everton?

Branthwaite and Manchester United has been the ongoing transfer saga of the summer, with the Toffees rightly standing firm throughout.

With the young defender demanding £160,000-a-week to sign a new contract at Everton, there are many twists and turns to come, it seems [Daily Mail].

At least with O’Brien coming through the door, Dyche is somewhat covered if the worst does happen.

In other Everton news, the Toffees have made a new decision on Wilfried Gnonto as a transfer twist emerges at Goodison Park.

Everton to miss out on Wilfried Gnonto again?

It is well documented that the Toffees were interested in Gnonto last summer, with the player going as far as to submit a transfer request at Elland Road.