Everton now want to sign Lyon defender Jake O’Brien as a fresh twist has emerged in the Aranaut Danjuma saga, per L’Equipe.
The French media outlet reported on 27 January that the Toffees have blocked Danjuma’s exit until then with the Ligue 1 side keen on signing him.
However, Lyon are unwilling to let O’Brien leave in the January transfer window.
It seems like neither side wants to give in at this point in time and the transfer negotiations have reached a stalemate.
Danjuma surely must be fuming as he’s now unlikely to get the move he desired and may have to stay on Merseyside and play limited minutes.
Everton’s insistence on receiving O’Brien as part of the deal has complicated matters as Lyon are unwilling to part ways with their best defender this season.
Danjuma’s loan spell at Goodison Park must be cut short for the transfer to proceed, but Lyon’s refusal to sell O’Brien presents a significant obstacle.
This stalemate leaves Everton in a difficult position, as their desired outcome hinges on Lyon’s cooperation, which seems unlikely at this stage.
To break the deadlock, the Blues may need to explore alternative approaches which could involve reassessing their transfer targets or negotiating different terms with Lyon, such as offering a higher transfer fee or including other players in the deal.
Everton
That is a big question mark, however, as funds are tight at Goodison Park and as things stand, this does not look like it’s going ahead.
In other Everton news, the Toffees’ transfer deal to sign an in-form player in January will now include a £7m option to buy.
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