EXCLUSIVE: Everton maintain Branthwaite stance despite O'Brien signing

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 29 Jul 2024 11:09 BST
5 min read

Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Everton’s signing of Jake O'Brien is not contingent on the potential departure of Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite, FootballTransfers has been told.

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The Merseyside club reached an agreement with Lyon to sign the Republic of Ireland defender in a deal valued at up to £22 million. But Everton are maintaining their firm stance on their valuation of Branthwaite, with sources at the club telling FootballTransfers that their takeover situation has not impacted their valuation of the defender and the side are expecting to have him for the forthcoming season.

We are told that Everton head coach Sean Dyche wants three first-team quality centre-backs for the new campaign, believing O’Brien and Branthwaite can feature together. The club feel as though they are a centre-back down after Ben Godfrey left to Atalanta.

Currently, there is interest from various clubs in Michael Keane and Mason Holgate, which could also hinder Branthwaite's move to Old Trafford, we understand.

Current ETV

Jarrad Branthwaite

D (C)

Everton

Jarrad Branthwaite

D (C)

Everton

ETV Range

€19.4M - €32.4M

Everton's pursuit of Gnonto at stalement

Everton are also looking to strengthen their left-back position. They have shown interest in Ricardo Rodriguez, a free agent who featured at Euro 2024 for Switzerland this summer. However, they face stiff competition from Inter Milan, who are also keen on securing Rodriguez’s services.

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Meanwhile, we are told that Everton have cooled their interest in Wilfried Gnonto from Leeds. The winger is open to a move and has been a target for club since last year, as FootballTransfers exclusively revealed in June 2023. Everton are now set to explore alternative options in the market.

As reported elsewhere, 23-year-old centre-back O’Brien is expected to undergo a medical with Everton today.

O'Brien, who stands 6 feet 6 inches tall, joined Lyon from Crystal Palace last year and has since made 27 appearances in Ligue 1. The Eagles are expected to receive £3m of the overall transfer fee while Lyon will receive a sell-on clause at 10%.

Everton have already brought in Jasper Lindstrom, Tim Iroegbunam and Iliman Ndiaye to Goodison Park. Meanwhile, Dele Alli continues to train with the team. (