Everton are looking to fight off interest from Manchester United to complete a deal for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes, according to ESPN.
Although last summer’s signings improved United’s defence — Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka — there is still a lot of work to do if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is to fix his problems at the back.
Most fans will argue that Maguire needs a new partner. However, was he any better than Victor Lindelof after the restart?
Gabriel, 22, is also linked with a move to Napoli who are battling to hold onto Kalidou Koulibaly.
ESPN understands that Everton are most concerned about United’s interest in their number one defensive target.
Toffees manager Carlo Ancelotti will be determined to get defenders in after losing Leighton Baines to retirement and Djibril Sidibe’s return to AS Monaco following a season-long loan.
It remains to be seen who United will prioritise if they go for a centre-back this summer.
The report by Mark Ogden adds that Lille are ready to sell Gabriel if they receive an offer in excess of £25m. That doesn’t seem like a lot for a defender with real promise.
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