Everton hope to win £9,000-p/w ace 'brilliant' race given exit

Having already increased their attacking options this summer, Everton are now reportedly hoping to win the race to strengthen Sean Dyche's defence.

Everton transfer news

It's been a surprisingly busy summer at Goodison Park given the fact that their takeover remains incomplete.

The Toffees have already brought in Jack Harrison on loan, while also adding new faces such as Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa and Iliman Ndiaye, who should give Dyche some much-needed attacking spark next season.

Speaking for the first time since signing, the former Marseille and Sheffield United star told Everton's official channels: “I'm very happy to be an Everton player. The main reasons I wanted to join are how big the club is, its history and the role I can play in helping the team move forward. I'm very happy and excited and I can't wait to continue.

“Kevin [Thelwell] and the manager both spoke to me and made me feel wanted. My Senegalese colleague Idrissa also participated and spoke highly of the Club and many positive things.”

With an attacking boost welcomed, Everton have since been reported to be focusing on improving Dyche's backline. According to Alan Nixon via Patreon, Everton are still hoping to win the race to sign Jake O'Brien from Lyon ahead of West Ham United this summer. The Irishman is reportedly among the players allowed to leave the French club this summer as they look to balance the books.

Furthermore, those at Goodison Park are reported to believe that O'Brien will choose Everton over West Ham and Nottingham Forest to provide Dyche with a valuable addition this summer.

“Brilliant” O'Brien could replace Branthwaite

Although the relationship between O'Brien and Jarrad Branthwaite could be a hope for Dyche and Everton, the future of the player is still in doubt and could end up leaving O'Brien filling the void he will leave behind. The Lyon man is a consistent performer after an impressive season in France and could come in to provide the Toffees with a quick solution to a major problem.

Earning £9k a week, O'Brien's ability to handle the ball could give Dyche a different type of centre-back to Branthwaite, who has not held up much better. The defender also received high praise from Republic of Ireland manager and Manchester United legend John O'Shea last season.

O'Shea said on Extra: “It's been great to see what he's done in the last year to 18 months, putting himself in the top league. It's been great to see. There's a lot of competition on that field. He's going to have a lot of competition. But it's good for us, and me being part of the defense camp will say, that we can help him improve a lot in this two games to come.”