Man Utd sent fresh Jarrad Branthwaite transfer message after Leny Yoro injury setback

Everton manager Sean Dyche has dismissed speculation that the signing of Jake O'Brien is a precursor to Jarrad Branthwaite's departure to Manchester United.

United has had two bids rejected for the England international with Everton holding out for a $90m (£70m) for their star defender. And Dyche insists that the arrival of O'Brien from Lyon is about bolstering the squad, not replacing Branthwaite.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Dyche stressed the point: "No way! You're kidding me! I'm very surprised you've put two and two together at Everton Football Club. It's nothing to do with that. It's just to do with trying to model the club with the finances available. Obviously we're stretched at the moment with depth."

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Dyche elaborated on the club's strategy, saying, "Trying to bring in players who can add layers to the club. Younger players who can develop and protect the club both on and off the pitch with their performances and then in the future with the finances. It's a tough juggling act and it's tough to find the players who can do that. We think we have a few here.

"We've made it clear to him [Branthwaite] that there's nothing other than that. But of course put two and two together and everyone starts speculating. What do you do?.

United's defensive woes have grown with the newly acquired Leny Yoro picking up an injury during pre-season action; images of him on crutches suggest he might face a lengthy spell off the pitch.

Boss Erik ten Hag hasn't shied away from acknowledging money spent on Yoro and remains open to further boosting the squad's defensive options.

"I think we are occupied [in that position] but we work continually," Ten Hag admitted. "The good thing is we already signed two players, but it belongs to a club like Manchester United that you are still looking - if the opportunity is there - for better and we still have time, until August 30."

Liverpool.com says: Everton remain eager to keep hold of Branthwaite despite the bids from United but their resolve may be tested again before the window shuts. The signing of O'Brien does appear to be a squad addition rather than an immediate replacement for Branthwaite.