Report: Everton agreed £19m fee and £33.5k-a-week deal for player but Premier League rivals are lurking

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Everton reportedly face a huge battle in pursuit of a player wanted by Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti and described as an “absolute machine” by the president of his club.

Everton were linked with Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes earlier this year and, according to a March report by The Independent, have been in discussions with the French club over potentially bringing the 22-year-old to Goodison Park.

Gabriel, who was also linked to Tottenham and Arsenal in January (Daily Mail), made the move to Lille from Brazilian outfit Avai back in 2016 for just £1.5million, and has become a key member of Lille’s first team squad this season, featuring 34 times for the club in all competitions.

Although Everton remain one of the favourites for Gabriel’s signature (Sky Sports), Area Napoli makes several interesting claims that don’t bode particularly well for the Toffees in their pursuit of his services.

Everton had reportedly agreed a 22 million euro (around £19million) fee – plus bonuses – for Gabriel’s services, and a contract of 2 million euros per season (around £33,500-a-week), but have asked until the current global health crisis subsides before dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.

The report goes on to say that Lille have since received other offers for Gabriel, which he is considering, and while Napoli are believed to be “monitoring proceedings from afar”, the Brazilian is said to have been piqued by interest from Chelsea, who have “shown appreciation” for him.

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Gabriel has been sensational for Lille this season – an “absolute machine”, according to president Gerard Lopez (Sky Sports) – and his skills and efforts as a left-footed centre back could help bolster an Everton defence which has blown hot and cold.

While it’s completely understandable – indeed, the right thing to do – for negotiations to be halted in wake of what’s currently going on in the world, it has reportedly given the player time to consider other offers.

It would be incredibly unfortunate were Everton to miss out on Gabriel due to this, but fingers crossed the player snubs other suitors and becomes part of the Goodison Park project under one of the best managers in world football.