Crystal Palace defender set for permanent Lyon switch

Crystal Palace defender Jake O’Brien is set to join French giants Lyon on a permanent deal.

The Irish defender will pen a long-term contract at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.

O’Brien, who featured throughout pre-season under Roy Hodgson and scored in the 2-1 defeat to Columbian side Millonarios, had a year to go on his deal at Selhurst Park.

The 22-year-old will get to work with former Manchester United, Barcelona and Inter Milan defender Laurent Blanc, who is the head coach of Lyon. Blanc also won the World Cup with France in 1998.

Our paper revealed in late June that French second division side Troyes, who are owned by the City Group, have had a bid north of £1million for O’Brien turned down by the Eagles.

He spent last season on loan at R.W.D Molenbeek and excelled in Belgium. O’Brien made 31 appearances in all competitions as Molenbeek won promotion to the first division.

A loan back to Molenbeek is a possibility once he joins Lyon. However, it is not a certainty.

A host of sides in the Championship and across Europe had expressed an interest in signing the Republic of Ireland U21 international over the summer.

O’Brien was wanted by Bristol City last winter, with Nigel Pearson’s side keeping tabs on the 6ft six centre-back throughout the second half of the campaign after failing to land him in the January window.