Jake O'Brien's stock has risen significantly in recent months, with the Irishman hugely impressing at the back for Lyon in Ligue 1.
The Corkman was one of the standout players for OL as they managed a sixth-place finish to qualify for the Europa League
23-year-old O'Brien has been heavily linked with a move away from the French club in recent months, with several Premier League clubs touted as possible destinations.
Fresh reports on Saturday suggest that Everton are on the verge of securing O'Brien's services for the 2024-25 season - and Manchester United fans have a theory as to what that could mean for their transfer business.
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Report: Jake O'Brien close to completing Everton move
11 June 2024; Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal in action against Jake O'Brien of Republic of Ireland during the international friendly match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estádio Municipal de Aveiro in Aveiro, Portugal. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported on Saturday that Everton have agreed a fee with Lyon for the transfer of Jake O'Brien.
Pending a medical and personal terms being agreed, Romano reports that there is a five-year contract on the table for O'Brien with the Toffees, and it seems increasingly likely he will be playing Premier League football next season.
Further reports from Sky Sports suggested that the transfer fee would be £22 million, which would make O'Brien the second-most-expensive Irish player of all-time after Nathan Collins.
As O'Brien prepares for a potential link-up with Ireland teammate Séamus Coleman, thoughts turn to whether he will be able to break into the starting lineup at Goodison Park.
Jarrad Branthwaite established himself as one of the Premier League's most promising young stars with his excellent performances at the heart of defence last season. For Everton to have signed another young centre-back alongside Branthwaite certainly seems a statement of intent.
However, some Manchester United fans believe that O'Brien's reportedly imminent move to Merseyside could signal a similarly imminent move for Branthwaite to Old Trafford.
United have been heavily linked with a move for the young English centre-back this summer. However, rumours had quelled somewhat with their signing of 18-year-old Lille centre-back Leny Yoro in recent weeks.
Hope appears to have been reignited among United fans that Branthwaite could be lining out in red next season, with the replies to Romano's tweet swamped with suggestions of an imminent Branthwaite move - including from divisive fan voice Mark Goldbridge.
Branthwaite to United...
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) July 27, 2024
Branthwaite coming to United then
— Fernansh Era (@BrunoFernanshh) July 27, 2024
Branthwaite coming to Manchester United then
— Kara (@UTDKara) July 27, 2024
Branthwaite is coming 👀
— Toph (@UTDToph) July 27, 2024
Branthwaite moving to United…
— TWO TERTY (@TwoTerty_) July 27, 2024
Though excitement may be high for Jake O'Brien's reported arrival in the Premier League, it would feel like a questionable move if he were not to nail down a spot in the starting lineup.
There are certainly interesting times ahead for the Irishman.
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