Carlo Ancelotti issued an intriguing response when asked if Gabriel Magalhaes was set to swap Lille for Everton during the upcoming transfer window, speaking to Sky Sports.
Four months after the Brazilian centre-back underwent a medical ahead of a potential £25 million move to Goodison Park, you would forgive Toffees fans for giving up hope.
After all, the sudden emergence of a global health crisis saw Everton’s hopes of wrapping up an early deal for the Ligue 1 powerhouse hit the buffers.
In recent weeks, the chances of Gabriel continuing his development on Merseyside appear to have diminished considerably with all the signs now suggesting that Southern Italy and Napoli will be his destination instead (ESPN).
Though Ancelotti, interestingly, was reluctant to rule out a move for Gabriel during a midweek press conference.
“You have to ask him,” the former PSG, Milan and Real Madrid boss said when asked if the 22-year-old could be wearing Everton blue next season.
“Honestly, we are looking around (for new signings). This is absolutely normal as all the teams do at the moment.”
Whether or not a deal for Gabriel is still on the cards, Everton will almost certainly be in the market for defensive reinforcements over the summer.
A season-ending injury to Yerry Mina has brutally highlighted the lack of quantity and quality at Ancelotti’s disposal, with Michael Keane and Mason Holgate the only other senior centre-backs in the squad.
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