The agent of Gabriel Magalhaes has confirmed that Everton are one of the clubs in the running to sign the defender from Lille during this summer’s transfer window. The Toffees had opened negotiations to recruit the centre-back in February but the progress was stalled in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Over the past few months, the club have been regularly linked with the Brazil Under-20 international and his representative Fernando Garcia has confirmed that the Toffees have made the first offer to sign the centre-back. However, he added that there is competition for the player’s services with Napoli having made a bid of their own for the former Avai graduate.
“Everton made a proposal to Lille at first, while Napoli made it later. We are waiting for Lille to let us know if they intend to continue [with Gabriel]. [The decision could come] in a few days, but in reality, I can’t say when exactly,” He told in an interview with Area Napoli, translated by Sport Witness.
Gabriel has made 30 appearances in the Ligue 1 and Champions League combined this season. He has caught the eye with his ability to make clear-cut tackles and his presence in the air. The Toffees currently have only three senior centre-backs in Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate and they definitely require more depth in the position ahead of next season.
Should Gabriel make the move, he would definitely take up one of the starting positions. Toffees manager Carlo Ancelotti could assess the performances of Keane, Holgate and Mina during the backend of the current campaign before deciding on who could partner the Brazilian. The Toffees are currently in the bottom half of the table, but they are six points adrift of a potential Europa League spot with eight games to play. They are scheduled to face Norwich City on the road during their next league clash.
