Everton have reportedly taken a key step in their drive to bring in Republic of Ireland international Jake O'Brien from Lyon.
Previous reports indicate the two clubs are in agreement over a £15m ($20m) deal to bring the 23-year-old to Goodison Park for the 2024/25 campaign.
O'Brien has impressed in France over the last 12 months, with the towering center-back a regular in his debut season at Lyon, after opting to leave Crystal Palace last summer.
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However, despite his importance to Lyon, the Ligue 1 side were anticipating Premier League offers for him, and Everton have moved quickly.
Sean Dyche is aware of Manchester United's ongoing interest in Jarrad Branthwaite with the England international reportedly pausing contract talks as he assesses his options.
The latest update from the Liverpool Echo claims O'Brien will arrive in the UK for the first part of his medical in the coming days, with a deal potentially completed by the end of the week.
Dyche has already brought in five new faces during preseason including a season long loan agreement for Napoli winger Jesper Lindstrom.
