Sean Dyche now think £30m defender will ‘personally choose’ Everton over two Premier League rivals

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Everton have already bolstered their frontline with two attackers, and strengthened the depth of their engine room with a new midfielder this summer.

However, thus far their defence remains unchanged, aside from the departure of Ben Godfrey, severely weakening their options.

A new centre-back is needed, but one that would not break the bank, and would likely not upset the fine partnership that Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski currently have.

Funnily enough, perhaps that target has been around for a while already.

Everton still want Jake O’Brien

The latest on Everton’s pursuit of Lyon defender Jake O’Brien, a link that has persisted for some time, has come courtesy of journalist Alan Nixon.

And this time, he actually provides an insight into what the thought process is behind the scenes at Goodison Park regarding this particular transfer saga.

He writes, on his Patreon: ‘Everton are clinging to hope of winning the race for Republic of Ireland centre half Jake O’Brien in a three-club race.

‘The Toffees think Lyon defender O’Brien would personally choose them out of the trio that includes Nottingham Forest and West Ham.

‘Sean Dyche’s team rate O’Brien in the £20 million class but the French club want around £30 million which is too much for the Hammers currently.

‘Forest may have a go at that price, with the two clubs on good terms after recent business and a payment plan may be offered that helps them meet the fee.

‘If Everton land O’Brien it could open the door wider for Michael Keane to leave – with several clubs alerted to his potential availability.’

How good actually is Jake O’Brien?

Whilst O’Brien has been linked to Everton for some time, few likely know just how impressive this Republic of Ireland international has been for both club and country.

After all, he has been quietly brilliant for some time now, having exploded onto the scene ever since he took his opportunity by trading Crystal Palace for Lyon.

It’s worth noting that, before the 23-year-old was handed his run in the team for the French side, they were well on their way towards relegation.

However, he actually proved to be the catalyst, as he told The Guardian: ‘Is it one of the great comeback stories? Definitely.

‘It’s been a crazy, very emotional season. We were given a 0% chance of getting out of it and we did – and didn’t just get out of it, we got Europa League as well.’

He still has just 32 senior appearances for the French side, yet is already famed for his formidable defending and his penchant for a goal.

That desperation to shine at both ends of the pitch, and his work in already masterminding one relegation escape, should make him a perfect fit for Sean Dyche’s Everton.