Lille defender Gabriel is firmly on Everton’s list of potential summer reinforcements, according to Times Sport.
Le10 Sport reported earlier this month that both Everton and Arsenal were likely to reignite their interest in the defender, with both having missed out on him back in January.
Le10 Sport’s report claimed that both clubs made firm offers in the winter window, although Lille didn’t deem them acceptable, instead agreeing to commit the 22-year old to a new contract.
Now though, Times Sport claim that Everton have carried out multiple checks of the centre-back, and are moving closer to committing themselves to making an offer for the defender in the summer.
Leicester and the Gunners are also said to be keen on shoring up their interest in the towering centre-half, and after signing a new contract, Times Sport report that the Brazilian could cost around £25million.
Read Everton Verdict
Everton are certainly in need of defensive reinforcements in the summer, having managed the duration of this season with just three senior players in that position.
Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate have established themselves as the preferred starting pair under Carlo Ancelotti, while Michael Keane has only a handful of starts under the Italian, signifying his role as a squad player.
While both Mina and Holgate have played well for the majority of this season, defensive errors have cost Everton points so bringing in Gabriel could be one way of shoring up Everton’s back-line.
Leicester and Arsenal could both pose considerable threats to Everton’s chances at landing the defender, as both clubs have defensive issues of their own, but Everton will hope that the promise of playing under Ancelotti will be enough to temp him to Goodison .
