Ten Hag given new hope as Everton capture potential successor to top target

Manchester United may have been hopeful that Everton would allow Jarrad Branthwaite to leave as Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Toffees have signed defender Jake O’Brien.

United’s interest in a number of centre-backs has been well-reported this summer. Indeed, they lost four-time Champions League winner Raphael Varane on a free transfer and are keen to ensure he is a good replacement.

Leny Yoro has been signed from Lille, with United pipped to the spot by Real Madrid, and Matthijs de Ligt and Branthwaite remain on their radar.

And United may be hopeful the latter will be available, despite Everton having rejected two bids from the Premier League giants, as they are on course to sign a new player in his position.

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Everton bring in O’Brien as centre-back

Fabrizio Romano reports that the Toffees will sign O’Brien from Lyon following his medical.

The Ireland international will cost around £17million, with Lyon set to earn 10 per cent of any future transfer fee if he leaves Everton.

The fact that O’Brien – who played 27 Ligue 1 games last season – has signed a contract until 2029 suggests the Toffees see the 23-year-old as a good option for the near future.

The signing is likely to have piqued United’s interest, as signing a centre-back could mean they take a more lenient view of selling Branthwaite.

That he turned down a contract extension recently and is adamant that he will only accept £160,000 a week that United have offered him means the Toffees may have to make a decision on his future if his position remains the same.

Everton want O’Brien and Branthwaite

Football Insider reports that O’Brien is being signed to play alongside Branthwaite, rather than replace him.

But as Everton will now have a quality option other than the Englishman, they may not be in a bad position if they lose him, and could potentially allow Branthwaite to leave on the right terms.

United, who are still keeping tabs on the defender, are unlikely to make another approach given the current developments and the Toffees’ plans could change if that happens.

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