Everton wants to complete a “Formidable” defensive transfer in January as their departure strategy becomes clear.

Everton are interested in signing Lyon defender Jake O’Brien in the January transfer window, according to Foot Mercato.

The French news outlet shares (4 December) that the Toffees are thinking about making a go for the Irish defender who is “already proving to be very valuable” notwithstanding Lyon’s 18th-placed position in Ligue 1.

However, it is believed that O’Brien is pleased at Les Gones and Lyon are no longer interested in letting the “formidable” 22-year-old go who is their pinnacle scorer this season, with three dreams from seven appearances [Transfermarkt].

Also, the rely looks “complicated” given Everton’s personal position in the Premier League table following their points deduction.

Make a move

There isn’t lots room for optimism at Lyon this season. The prestigious French membership are currently rock backside of Ligue 1 having gained simply one sport all season.

However, O’Brien has simply been their largest success story in an in any other case dour and disappointing season, registering three goals from seven appearances and rising as a everlasting fixture in the team.

The Ireland U21 global has additionally scored Lyon’s closing three desires in Ligue 1 and is the club’s joint-top scorer, alongside Alexandre Lacazette.

O’Brien’s performances have come as a surprise, as regardless of arriving August, it used to be anticipated that he would depart on loan to get greater first-team experience. However, he quickly impressed then-manager Laurent Blanc earlier than consolidating his location in the beginning line-up underneath Fabio Grosso.

Everton’s interest in the gifted defender is of no shock given his attractive development and their lack of preferences in the role, with Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane probably to depart Goodison Park as quickly as January.

The Toffees are clearly searching for the next Jarrad Branthwaite however any pass will be made difficult by way of Lyon’s stance however ought to there be cash available, Everton can without a doubt nonetheless push in advance with their attempts to signal him given the French outfit’s current position.

Verified: Everton player who was on the verge of quitting has dropped to the reserves amid developments on Monday

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Jonas Lossl of Everton during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton at The King Power Stadium on December 16, 2020 in Leicester, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Everton midfielder Andre Gomes has been dropped to the reserves to face off against Southampton on Monday four December.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who spent closing season on loan at Lille, hasn’t made a single look for the Blues this campaign after being sidelined via damage considering that August.

The Portuguese maestro who almost quit Goodison Park (FotoMac, 13 September) over the summer season has been stepping up his fitness over the previous few weeks and was once also spotted in first-team training with Sean Dyche’s squad on Friday (1 December).

However, it appears the former LOSC Lille man has been dropped to reserves in opposition to Southampton on Monday night (4 December) to step up his fitness and recovery.

Huge chance

It’s fine information to see Gomes again in education with the relaxation of the Everton players after he has endured a tough time with accidents over the previous few years.

Since joining the Toffees from Barcelona in 2018, the midfielder has made 100 appearances for the club, scoring two desires and laying on seven assists.

Given he is now not ready for first-team action at Goodison Park as yet, the choice to drop him to the reserves is a extraordinarily sound one given he desires minutes such as the under-21s to get lower back to full fitness.

After being deemed surplus to requirements through preceding Blues boss Frank Lampard, he went out on loan to French side Lille ultimate season, the place he scored three goals and laid on two assists in 27 appearances.

Dyche may additionally be extra open to giving the Portuguese a hazard at Goodison Park than his predecessor as he appears to be closing in on a return to full fitness.

And he may additionally now have been passed a massive danger to stake a declare in the Everton squad starting for the reserves towards Southampton. Hopefully, it’s a threat he grabs with each hands.