Everton are interested in signing Lyon centre-back Jake O’Brien in January, according to French outlet Foot Mercato.

Lyon signed O’Brien in the summer for €1m from Crystal Palace after the Irishman impressed on loan at Belgian side RWD Molenbeek last season.

Despite Lyon’s horrible start to the season, sitting rock bottom of Ligue 1, O’Brien has been a shining light. The Ireland U21 has scored Lyon’s last three goals and is the club’s joint top scorer, level with ex-Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette. 

The Ireland U21’s international rise has come as a shock to many. It was thought when O’Brien initially signed in August that he would go out on loan for the season, but he quickly made an impression at the Groupama Stadium under former manager Laurent Blanc. 

O’Brien got his chance in the side on October 1 against Stade Reims and he grabbed it with both hands. Fabio Grosso, who has recently been sacked, gave the Cork native a chance and has since been a regular in the side.

The 6′ 6 giant has since become a force to be reckoned with in France, scoring twice last weekend against Champions League side Lens. His performance earned himself a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Week.

His performance’s are catching a lot of attention from the Premier League, particularly from the Toffees. At present it seems a move away from Lyon in January is very unlikely with O’Brien considered to be a formidable piece in the relegation battling side. The Irishman is also said to be happy in Lyon who don’t want to lose any key players in January.

Everton’s current situation in relation to their financial fair play makes the deal even more complicated. 

But O’Brien is a player Everton fans should keep a keen eye on. If he can keep up his current form in the long run, it will only heighten the Toffees’ and the rest of the Premier League’s interest in his services.

 

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