Leeds Enter Race For Jake O'Brien As Everton Set Key Condition On Sale

With less than a week to go in the transfer window, we could still see some big name Ireland players on the move over the coming days. It seems that Jake O'Brien could be one of them, with rumours circulating about his future at Everton.

Having been a key player at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last season, it was assumed that the Cork man would be a longterm building block at the club.

However, his future is apparently now up in the air as he seeks out consistent playing time in his preferred centre back role. O'Brien operated almost exclusively at right back last season, with David Moyes continuing to favour James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite at the heart of the defence.

It is said that both the club and player are open to an exit over the coming days, with a few potential options having emerged.

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Jake O'Brien is said to be drawing interest from both English and European clubs late in the window, although a Premier League switch seems most realistic due to the finances likely to be involved.

Football Insider are reporting that Leeds United have entered the race for his signature, with former club Crystal Palace also thought to be keen on a reunion with the player. However, it is said that Everton would only consider a sale if they can sign a right back before the transfer deadline.

O'Brien was Everton's first choice right back last season, performing very well in the role. The club have been in search of another player in that position in recent months, with Seamus Coleman having also left over the summer.

Merlin Rohl started in that position for the win over Crystal Palace over the weekend, but he is not a natural right back either.

It seems as though Everton would only consider a Jake O'Brien sale if they can bolster their options in that position. His exit could also leave them short at centre back, with only three other senior options in the squad as things stand.

Intriguing few days ahead for Jake O'Brien at Everton

Sunderland are another team that have been credited with an interest in Jake O'Brien, meaning that he is unlikely to be short on options should he leave Everton over the coming days.

The player himself may well feel that consistent minutes would be an issue on Merseyside over the coming months. He is not first choice at centre back, with the club also seeking to replace him at right back.

A fee of around £20million could be enough to secure his signature, although it seems his current club will look to add to the squad before sanctioning his departure.

This is one to keep an eye on over the next week.

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