Everton have reportedly decided to block any approaches for defender Jake O’Brien in the January transfer window, despite the 23-year-old being out of favor under manager Sean Dyche.
According to the Irish Daily Star, O’Brien has attracted interest from Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A clubs, but Everton are unwilling to let him leave due to concerns over their central defensive options.
O’Brien has made just two substitute appearances in the league this season, totaling 34 minutes of football, with Dyche preferring Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski, and Michael Keane in the pecking order.
However, with the futures of several Everton defenders uncertain, including Keane, who is out of contract at the end of the season, and Branthwaite, who has been linked with a move away, O’Brien may yet find himself with more opportunities to play.
The decision to keep O’Brien at Goodison Park may also be influenced by the fact that Dyche’s own future is uncertain, with the manager’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.
O’Brien’s situation is likely to be monitored closely by Everton fans, who will be eager to see the young defender given more opportunities to prove himself.
In other Everton news, an out-of-contract Toffees star could stay put after his new role for a potential suitor was made clear. The club is also reportedly interested in signing Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, valued at £60m, on loan.
The January transfer window is expected to be a busy one for Everton, with the club looking to strengthen their squad and avoid relegation. With O’Brien set to stay put, the focus will now shift to other potential signings and departures.
