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Everton are one of numerous Premier League clubs in contention to sign Jake O’Brien who is close to leaving Lyon, according to Foot Mercato.

Santi Aouna reported on the French website [24 July] that Irish defender O’Brien was “spoilt for choice” and that his departure from Lyon is “almost a done deal”.

The Toffees are one of several English clubs to register an interest, as well as Wolves and Brentford – the latter were claimed to be in pole position for the 23-year-old by Foot Mercato earlier on Wednesday [24 July].

Everton chase O’Brien deal as Lyon exit imminent

O’Brien joined Lyon from Crystal Palace without having made a league appearance for the Eagles – a move made easier by the ownership links via potential Everton takeover candidate John Textor.

Since his arrival in Ligue 1, the Republic of Ireland international has been a revelation, helping Pierre Sage’s side surge up the table from despair to qualification for the Europa League.

His senior Irish caps have come this year as a direct result, and standing at an imposing 6’6” and with seven goal contributions from the back in his 32 league outings, O’Brien has been quick to attract options to his table for a return to England.

Brentford’s interest is known with the Bees having reportedly made contact with Lyon over a transfer according to Aouna, and Wolves joined the race earlier this month after losing Max Kilman to West Ham [Sunday Mirror, 14 July] but Sean Dyche may be able to offer a more attractive proposition.

Should the Toffees be able to leapfrog their Premier League rivals and secure a switch for O’Brien, the prospect of a partnership with Jarrad Branthwaite in a Dyche-drilled side could prove incredibly effective this season.

In other Everton news, an update on John Textor’s attempted sale of Crystal Palace and what it could mean at Goodison Park.