MANCHESTER UNITED fans haven’t given up on Jarrad Branthwaite after Everton revealed their newest signing – defender Jake O’Brien.
Republic of Ireland ace O’Brien made a £17million move from Lyon to join Sean Dyche’s side on a four-year deal.
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His Toffees team-mate Branthwaite, 22, is one of Erik ten Hag’s top targets this summer.
And United fans used Everton’s new signing as a reason for the Toffees to finally allow Branthwaite to move to Old Trafford.
A fan commented about Everton announcement of the 23-year-old’s signing: “Free Jarrad Branthwaite.”
While another agreed: “Good, now sell Branthwaite to us.”
A third then said: “You need to give us Bbranthwaite to pay for this.”
Everton bosses refused to budge on their £70million valuation for Branthwaite earlier this month, meaning the defender is set to miss out on a lucrative move unless the Red Devils make a higher offer.
However, it was revealed last week that the Toffees will compensate him with a massive new deal as he would have earned £160,000-a-week at United.
At Everton, Branthwaite currently earns around £40,000 a week.
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If he stays, he will play alongside O’Brien next season in Dyche’s defense.
The Ireland international becomes the Blues’ fifth signing of the summer following the return from loan of Jack Harrison and the arrivals of midfielder Tim Iroegbunam and forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom.
The 6ft 3in defender made 32 appearances for Lyon in all competitions last season and scored five times.
He moved to France from Crystal Palace last August and came into the team helping Lyon escape bottom of Ligue 1, finishing sixth and qualifying for the Europa League.
Of the move, O’Brien said: “I’m excited to have signed for Everton. I’ve been dreaming of this kind of change in the Premier League, with such a historic club. It’s a very exciting change for me.
“Everton is a great club with a lot of history and also a great future.
“When the transfer window opened there were other clubs for me, but there was only one club I wanted to go to – that was Everton.”
Dyche said: “Jake further strengthens our talented core of centre-backs and adds competition to our squad, which could help us continue to progress.
“He is still young but has gained valuable experience both abroad and at international level, and has many impressive attributes to become a high-quality player for Everton in the Premier League.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
