Everton make decision on Jake O’Brien’s future – with the £16.4m summer signing yet to start a Premier League game for the Toffees

Everton will not allow Jake O’Brien to leave on loan despite foreign interest in the centre-back.

O’Brien joined from Lyon for £16.4m but has yet to start a Premier League game.

The 23-year-old centre back started two Carabao Cup games in the early part of the season, but has been limited to just two substitute top-flight appearances.

Sean Dyche preferred the pairing of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane at the start of the campaign, and Jarrad Branthwaite has returned from injury to take the place of Keane in recent weeks. Irish Under-21 defender Jake O'Brien signs long-term deal with French club Lyon | Irish Independent

O’Brien appears to be some way down the pecking order, but Everton want to keep him this month as cover in defence.

Everton have the best defensive record in the bottom half, but goals at the other end have been hard to come by.

Pressure is mounting on Dyche, with Everton desperate to remain in the Premier League ahead of moving into their new stadium next summer. Irish Under-21 defender Jake O'Brien signs long-term deal with French club Lyon | Irish Independent

But he remains in charge for now, and O’Brien has a difficult task on his hands to force his way into Everton’s starting XI under the Englishman.