Everton want to sign Jake O'Brien as Arnaut Danjuma transfer saga takes new twist
Everton are trying to sign Lyon defender Jake O'Brien as Arnaut Danjuma is wanted by the French club on loan, according to L'Equipe.
The French outlet shared an update on the transfer saga involving Danjuma - who is on loan from Villarreal - on their online edition on Saturday [27 January].
The report suggests that, if Everton are to rip up Danjuma's loan contract and let him move to Lyon, they want O'Brien to come the other way.
However, in an article titled "OL in a state of emergency in its transfer window", it is claimed that Lyon owner John Textor is eager to keep O'Brien.
Smart
This is a great tactic from Everton. Rather than just letting Danjuma leave, the club are using him as a bargaining chip to sign O'Brien.
Danjuma is pretty much surplus to requirements at Goodison Park after a disappointing six-month spell, but the club are reluctant to let him leave.
Should Lyon indicate that O'Brien is available for the right price, it could be a transfer that suits the French side, Everton and Villarreal.
At the same time, the Irish centre-back is highly rated and it sounds as though Lyon are not exactly prepared to let him depart.
The 22-year-old, who was previously on Crystal Palace's books, has played 11 times in Ligue 1 this season.
While he remains relatively unknown on these shores, he was voted Lyon's Player of the Month for December.
It may well be that Everton have to find some money to further tempt Lyon into selling, but at least Danjuma acts as a makeweight in any deal.
There are a few different parts to this deal that need to fall into place, but it is still an exciting development ahead of next week's deadline.
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