Report suggests Everton’s seemingly done deal for Gabriel is under threat

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Everton’s apparently done deal to sign Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille has been thrown into doubt by reports in France this week. 

The Lille defender is, according to reports this side of the Channel, all set to join Everton in the summer. As reported by The Guardian, Everton now expect to make the centre-back Carlo Ancelotti’s first signing, with the 22-year-old set to arrive for a £30 million fee. 

However, Le10 Sport reports differently. 

They claim that British reports of a done deal are premature. They report that Gabriel has previously visited Everton’s Finch Farm facilities and has even spoken to Ancelotti, with the Toffees in ‘pole position’ to sign him. However, Gabriel has not yet made a final decision and three Premier League rivals are ready to try and hijack any deal. 

Chelsea have asked for information on a deal. Leicester City are keen and ready to offer Lille a bigger fee for the Brazilian. Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the situation. 

Everton fans will undoubtedly be worried about the fact they cannot get this deal concluded in the current situation. 

The Brazilian looks so close to being a Toffee and fans are hopeful he will indeed be snapped up by director of football Marcel Brands. But the continued delay in football getting back to business could seriously hurt Everton’s chances of securing this seemingly done deal.