Sean Dyche stunned at Everton transfer question amid Jarrad Branthwaite latest

Everton manager Sean Dyche was taken aback by a question over Jarrad Branthwaite's future in the wake of the club signing Jake O'Brien.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the Toffees sealed a £16.4million deal to sign the Irish international centre-back from Lyon, Dyche refuted the idea that O'Brien could be a replacement for Branthwaite.

The 22-year-old England defender has been linked with a big-money move to Manchester United throughout the summer, but Dyche said he remains a key player.

In quotes reported by the Daily Mirror (31 July), Dyche said of a possible exit for Branthwaite: "No way! You’re kidding me? It’s nothing to do with that.

"Players who can develop, protect the club on and off the pitch with their performances, and then in the future with the finances – it’s tough to find the players who can do that. We think we have a few here.

"We’ve made it clear to [Branthwaite] that there’s nothing other than that. But of course put two and two together and everyone starts speculating."

Jarrad Branthwaite and Jake O'Brien to transform Everton defence

O'Brien's arrival at Goodison Park could prove to be a solid acquisition straight away for Dyche's Toffees side, not only bolstering a rock-solid defensive line, but also allowing for tactical flexibility.

The Blues had the fourth-best defence in last season's Premier League despite their lowly finish, and O'Brien's addition adds to this further, giving Dyche the option of switching to three at the back.

James Tarkowski may not lose his place despite the arrival of O'Brien and if – despite his manager's defiance – Branthwaite is sold to Manchester United this summer, he will partner the Irishman in defence.

However, with the Toffees looking increasingly likely to keep their star asset, the option of an O'Brien-Tarkowski-Branthwaite trio will allow Dyche to push more bodies forward and increase attacking support.

Loanees Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom will no doubt appreciate the prospect of being let off their leashes, as Dyche looks to build a strong attacking team based off an already rock-solid defence.

In other Everton news, Liverpool’s CEO has reacted to the potential impact made by the Toffees’ move to Bramley-Moore Dock.

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