Everton have reportedly come to an agreement with Lyon over a £22m deal for centre-back Jake O’Brien.
The 23-year-old arrived at Lyon from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2023, and the Republic of Ireland international made 32 appearances for the French club during an impressive 2023-24 campaign.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding the defender’s future in recent weeks, with a number of clubs believed to have been in touch with Lyon to express an interest.
According to Sky Sports News, Everton have agreed a deal worth up to £22m for O’Brien, who is set to undergo a medical with the Toffees ahead of signing a long-term contract.
O’Brien, who is 6ft 6in, started his professional career at Cork City and initially made the move to Palace on loan before the Eagles secured his signature on a permanent basis.
Napoli ‘planning’ fresh bid for Gilmour
Elsewhere, Napoli are reportedly planning to make a fresh bid for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Billy Gilmour.
The Italian outfit’s opening offer for the Italy international was allegedly rejected last week.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Napoli are now putting together a second bid, with the Serie A giants confident of securing his signature in the near future.
Gilmour is said to be pushing to complete a move to Napoli, with the midfielder keen to play in Serie A.
The 23-year-old started his professional career at Chelsea, making 22 appearances for the London club’s first team before making the move to Brighton in 2022.
The midfielder has featured on 58 occasions for his current side in all competitions, providing four assists, and he has another two years left to run on his contract at the Amex.
Thomas ‘set’ for Nantes move
Meanwhile, according to Foot Mercato, Huddersfield Town attacker Sorba Thomas is closing in on a loan switch to Ligue 1 outfit Nantes.
The 25-year-old started his career at Boreham Wood before making the move to Huddersfield in 2021, and he has represented his current side on 114 occasions in all competitions.
Thomas spent the second half of the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Blackburn Rovers, but he was back in the Huddersfield first team last season, featuring 31 times in all competitions.
The winger is seemingly set to depart on another short-term basis, though, with Nantes said to be on the verge of securing his signature on loan for the new season.
Thomas will allegedly undergo a medical with the French club on Sunday, with official confirmation likely to arrive soon after, but there is not expected to be a purchase option in the deal.
