Everton closing in on Nottingham Forest target, deal agreed

The Irish defender’s stock has risen rapidly since joining Lyon from Crystal Palace last summer for a fee short of the £1 million mark.

Wolves were interested in him but were not prepared to meet Lyon’s £25m asking price and even Dutch giants Ajax were in the running.

Nottingham Forest have also tracked him, but O’Brien is reportedly on his way to Everton this summer.

It has been claimed that a deal in principle has been agreed between the Toffees and Lyon.

Personal terms have yet to be set, but a five-year deal is expected to be agreed with the player and his representatives.

Everton and Lyon will hope to finalize the transfer paperwork on Sunday before he undergoes a medical on Monday.

It remains to be seen whether O’Brien’s potential arrival affects the future of Jarrad Branthwaite, who is a Manchester United target.