David Moyes ally accuses Everton of Jake O'Brien 'fantasy' - 'that seems very strange to me'

Everton will be making a "bizarre" decision if they ultimately accept a bid for Jake O'Brien this summer.

That is the opinion of former senior Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The Toffees are reportedly willing to listen to offers for the 25-year-old in the final days of the transfer window, in a decision that has sparked anger among the fanbase.

O'Brien made 40 appearances across all competitions for Everton last season and was almost ever-present at right-back, while stepping into the middle on occasion.

But the Ireland international is reportedly keen to feature in his natural position, centre-back, more commonly, with David Moyes seemingly unwilling to offer him minutes ahead of Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski or Michael Keane.

O'Brien has spent the entirety of both games so far this season on the bench, with Merlin Rohl completing both games from right-back.

Ex-Everton scout: 'I just cannot see the sense in that at all'

It is almost extraordinary to imagine Everton selling a defender this summer, considering just how perilous the situation at the back is already.

Branthwaite has returned but has suffered huge injuries over the last year, while Tarkowski and Keane are both likely entering the final years of their Premier League careers.

Despite countless links and numerous failed efforts, Everton still have only the options of O'Brien and the injury-prone Nathan Patterson on the right, although Rohl has made a positive impression there.

"If that's true, it seems bizarre to me. This is a player who's been one of the one of the steadier players in the last 18 months," King told Football Insider when asked about O'Brien's situation.

"That just seems very, very strange to me. To be honest, I think the story is a flyer. I just can't see the sense in that because he's a good player, who can play in several positions. I just cannot see the sense in that at all.

"Are they going to sell him to Tottenham and bring in [Pedro] Porro?  That's the kind of fantasy story that sounds to me.

"O'Brien would be a good signing for anybody if he is available. What kind of money are we talking about? If [Djed] Spence went for £25million,what are you talking about for him? £15m? Full international. Been playing regularly over the last 18 months."

What has David Moyes said about O'Brien?

Considering just how much O'Brien featured last season, it is surely an indicator of something further than a tactical decision by Moyes to leave him out.

The Scot was asked the question after the defender spent Wednesday's game on the bench, but refused to give anything away.

"No problem, I’ve chosen at the moment not to use him, but he’ll be used in plenty of games, no doubt," he said.

But the questions persist over O'Brien, with his exit in the final days of the transfer window far from ruled out.