Manchester United may have been given hope that Everton will allow Jarrad Branthwaite to leave, as Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the Toffees have signed centre-back Jake O Brien.
United s interest in a number of centre-backs has been well reported this summer. Indeed, they lost four-time Champions League winner Raphael Varane on a free transfer, and are eager to ensure he is replaced well.
Leny Yoro has been signed from Lille, with United beating Real Madrid to that signing, and Matthijs de Ligt and Branthwaite remain on the radar.
And United might have hope that the latter could become available, despite the fact Everton have rejected two bids from the Premier League giants, as they are well on their way to signing a new man in his position.
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Everton bringing in O Brien at centre-back
that the Toffees will sign O Brien from Lyon following his medical.
The Irish international will cost approximately ÂŁ17million, and Lyon will gain 10 per cent of a future transfer if he is to move on from Everton.
That O Brien who played 27 Ligue 1 games last season is signing a contract until 2029, suggests the Toffees see the 23-year-old as a good option for the foreseeable future.
The signing will have piqued United s interest, as one centre-back addition could mean they take a more lenient view on the sale of Branthwaite.
That he has refused a contract extension of late, and is adamant that that United had offered him, means that the Toffees might have to make a decision on his future if his stance remains the same.
