Writing on the wall for £16m Everton star as David Moyes drops major hint

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A number of Everton players may already be considering what lies ahead for them next with their future’s uncertain on Merseyside.

David Moyes’ return to Goodison Park has seen a transformation in results with the Toffees pulling clear of the relegation zone.

However, there are already a selection of Everton players who are becoming outcasted by the 61-year-old manager.

One player who have excelled under Moyes is Jake O’Brien who has been handed a fresh lease of life playing at right-back.

Moyes has praised O’Brien for what he has shown in such a short space of time.

But his latest comments may well suggest the writing is already on the wall for three of the current players on Merseyside.

• READ MORE: Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola suggests Everton hold an advantage ahead of their FA Cup clash

David Moyes says Jake O’Brien is still a centre-back

Seamus Coleman persuaded O’Brien to join Everton over the summer in a £17m move from Lyon.

It had not been the start to life in England which the defender would have hoped for under Sean Dyche, but it has improved under Moyes.

Speaking to the media on Friday, the 61-year-old admitted O’Brien’s long-term future in the side is at centre-back despite currently playing at right-back.

“When you’re a young centre-back, sometimes you get in as a full-back – at the moment Jake will want to be a centre-back,” Moyes said from Finch Farm.

“Ultimately his future will be as a central defender, but I think the fact he’s getting games at the moment Is really important.”

O’Brien has taken a number of subtle digs at Sean Dyche since his sacking from Everton.

And the youngster finally looks as if he is showing the Everton fans just what he is capable of after being handed the opportunity by Moyes.

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Writing is on the wall for Nathan Patterson and Ashley Young

With Moyes playing the centre-back out of position, it shows the Scotsman’s real thoughts on his actual right-back options.

Nathan Patterson has picked up an injury ahead of the Bournemouth game in the FA Cup on Saturday, so he will not feature.

But there could well be an opportunity for Ashley Young to return to the starting XI.

The comments from Moyes will come across as fairly damning to the right-backs in the side with the 61-year-old admitting he still doesn’t view O’Brien as a right-back.

However, he continues to be played ahead of them.

The £16m Patterson wanted to leave Everton before Dyche was sacked, but it is becoming pretty clear how Moyes rates his options with O’Brien maintaining the starting spot.