Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund interested in signing Ireland defender Jake O’Brien

The Cork-born defender is attracting interest from around Europe after a breakthrough season with Lyon in Ligue 1, and the Irish Independent understands that he is now on Dortmund’s radar.

Speculation around Mats Hummels’ future has led to Dortmund being linked with several centre halves and the 6ft 6inch O’Brien has been identified as a player of potential.

While O’Brien has only completed one season in France after a permanent switch from Crystal Palace, Lyon rebuffed interest in January.

Everton have been keeping tabs on the progress of the 23-year-old and remain interested, while there has been Serie A attention too with AC Milan believed to be keen amongst others.

But Dortmund have emerged as an intriguing option for the late developing talent who is in contention to make his first international start against Portugal on Tuesday.

He made an impressive Irish bow off the bench for the second half of the 2-1 victory over Hungary earlier this week.