Crystal Palace tipped for Jake O'Brien move as Everton plan revealed

Crystal Palace could be tempted to reignite their interest in Jake O'Brien if he is allowed to leave Everton in January.

The 25-year-old was subject to interest in the closing stages of the summer transfer window, when Everton opened the door to his potential departure, but no deal was agreed.

Crystal Palace have been keeping a close eye on the centre-back's progress since he left Selhurst Park to join Lyon in 2023, and they could now make a move to bring him back.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Crystal Palace and a number of other Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on O'Brien's situation.

The Republic of Ireland international has fallen out of favour under David Moyes and has played just 16 minutes in their opening five Premier League games of the season.

Crystal Palace could now be prepared to take advantage as they continue their search for a new centre-back, with Everton set to consider offers for O'Brien in January.

Could Crystal Palace make a move for Jake O'Brien?

Former Everton scout Bryan King told Football Insider last month that Crystal Palace actually had a £26million deal agreed for O'Brien before the move fell through late on.

While that claim has not been verified by sources, the Eagles are certainly among his admirers, and could be tempted to formalise that interest in the mid-season window.

After struggling to replace Maxence Lacroix in the summer, Crystal Palace could look to bring in another centre-back, and O'Brien remains highly regarded at Selhurst Park.

"I wouldn't rule out Jake O'Brien to Crystal Palace, but they're not the only ones interested," Brown told Football Insider.

"The key to that one is they know him, they've had him before so they'll know the ins and outs of his personality, his character, how he reacts in training and things like that.

"It's easy to make mistakes in the transfer market, but when it's a player you've had before, it reduces those risks massively.

"If Everton are willing to let O'Brien leave, then there is every chance Crystal Palace could reignite their interest, because we know they are in need of a centre-back.

"They lost Maxence Lacroix and haven't replaced him properly. They got a couple of loans, and they're good players, but it's not enough to replace one of their best players.

"So O'Brien is certainly somebody who is one their radar, and they may well be tempted to make a move if he is available."

How do Everton feel about losing O'Brien?

Crystal Palace's renewed interest in O'Brien comes amid ongoing speculation about his long-term future at Everton as a result of his recent playing time.

After dropping out of Moyes' starting XI, he is finding regular minutes difficult to come by, whether that is playing at right-back or in a defensive partnership.

As a result, Brown told Football Insider on 30 September that Everton will entertain offers for O'Brien and are open to letting him leave for the right price in January.

After Everton opened the door to his exit in the closing stages of the summer window, their stance is unlikely to have changed, and the player will be keen if his situation remains the same.

Any sale will have to be on the right terms for Everton, who are already lacking depth in their squad, but they will not rule out O'Brien's sale as things stand.