'Medical booked' as deal agreed for £22m Wolves and Everton target

Everton are reportedly closing in on the signing of Olympique Lyonnais defender Jake O’Brien, inflicting a blow to Wolves.

The Toffees, keen to add quality in central defence, are expected to complete the Republic of Ireland international’s acquisition in the coming days. Wolves had O’Brien high on the shortlist to replace Max Kilman, who recently left for West Ham United in a £40 million deal.

Sky Sports reports Everton will pay £22 million for O’Brien, with the defender booked in for a medical. Head coach Sean Dyche will be delighted as the 23-year-old has been considered a priority target for some time.

O’Brien has enjoyed a rather meteoric rise in the last 12 months as he only joined Lyon from Crystal Palace last August. The defender was never given a chance in the Eagles’ senior team but became a regular in France right away, making 27 Ligue 1 appearances during his debut campaign.

The £1 million fee spent by Lyon has turned out to be one of the best recent bargains across Europe’s major leagues as they will make a considerable profit. Standing at 6ft 6in and the scorer of four goals last term, O’Brien will offer Everton great aerial prowess.

Wolves, meanwhile, will have to look at other options to replace Kilman.