Who wants to sign Jake O'Brien revealed as Everton get ready for late sale

Everton could be set to commission a deadline-busting transfer exit for Jake O'Brien.

The 25-year-old defender has had a mixed time of things on Merseyside.

Arriving from Lyon in the summer of 2024, the Irish international has routinely been played out of position at right-back under David Moyes.

Signed as a centre-back by trade, he has struggled at times to look comfortable down the flank, as Everton continue to look for an upgrade there.

Still only 25, he's clearly a talented defender and one that could still have a big Hill Dickinson Stadium future if moved into central defence.

However, with James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Jarrad Branthwaite for company, he may need to leave in order to secure a regular starting role.

How Everton set to respond to potential Jake O'Brien offers

With no new defenders signed this summer, Everton may not wish to lose O'Brien without getting a replacement lined up.

He may not be a right-back by trade, but the experience he's gained there offers Moyes a solid fallback option if he can't sign a player here before the 1 September deadline.

Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath has claimed via X on Tuesday morning that O'Brien has "serious interest" from Premier League and European sides.

McGrath claims that Everton may well pick up the phone to offers that are in and around their valuation.

So, what sort of fee should Everton realistically expect to receive for O'Brien, and would that exceed what they originally paid to sign him?

Why O'Brien's Everton experience should work in Toffees favour

At the time of his Everton arrival, it was widely reported that the Toffees had forked out £17million to sign him from Lyon.

Since then, he's added the ability to operate as a right-back to his armoury, and that will only make him a more attractive transfer commodity.

He's also been able to stay fit during his time on Merseyside, and so his availability to his manager will also boost his value too.

As he now moves towards his prime years then, and still contracted with Everton until 2028, the Toffees should be able to turn a profit on him if they do sell.

Especially when you consider that we're now in the final week of the summer window, and buying clubs can start getting desperate too.

It would be a shame to see O'Brien go though, as he's shown himself to be a top professional and has always done what his manager has asked of him to his best ability.