The possibility of Jake O’Brien departing Everton before the transfer window shuts has been raised for discussion by Paul Wheelock and Joe Thomas.
With seven days remaining until the market closes, the club faces significant business to conduct.
Several incoming transfers are desired while a number of squad players could depart should appropriate offers materialize.
Securing a right back ranks among the managerial priorities.
An unexpected situation has emerged following reports on Monday indicating Everton would consider offers for centre-back Jake O’Brien, the Irish defender.
The journalists examine what a potential departure would signify for the club.
Everton’s last significant first-team player sale occurred more than 24 months ago, making any transaction this summer noteworthy.
However, the identity of the player potentially leaving has surprised observers.
Nathan Patterson, Tim Iroegbunam, Carlos Alcaraz and Beto had been flagged as candidates for exit for various reasons.
Now O’Brien has joined that list.
Should O’Brien decline to wait for his opportunity behind Tarkowski, and should the club harbour doubts about his suitability as a long-term central defensive option, selling him could prove a sensible course of action.
The limited evidence available from his appearances at centre-back, particularly alongside Branthwaite, has generated reasonable concerns among the fanbase about whether this could become a departure the club comes to regret.
A significant consideration revolves around the squad’s defensive cover for the season ahead.
Branthwaite’s fitness represents a crucial factor.
If the England international suffers injury, the club would possess only Tarkowski and Keane as alternative centre-back options.
Keeping Branthwaite available for the full campaign emerges as an essential objective.
Should O’Brien depart, replacement signings would become necessary.
His 18 months spent performing out of position at right back have nevertheless provided him with valuable Premier League experience that could benefit his preferred centre-back role in the future.
His performances in that position have been impressive, including clean sheet victories at challenging venues such as Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.