A player with whom West Ham United were linked last week is reportedly close to a move which could have positive repercussions for Everton.
West Ham were one of several clubs credited with an interest in the Ajax defender Sven Botman last week (Foot Mercato).
But according to the same publication, Botman is now in Lille, ready to sign a long-term contract worth €1.5 million a year (around £1.4m) with Les Dogues.
It is claimed the French side must pay €8m (around £7.2m) to acquire the Dutchman from Ajax, who have already negotiated a 10 per cent sell-on clause.
But the deal is said to depend on one final hurdle being cleared – that being the sale of Lille’s Everton-linked defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
Gabriel has also been linked with both Manchester United and Napoli, the latter side more strongly of late.
And Lille, it seems, are resigned to his departure.
But whether Everton will emerge as beneficiaries or see their rumoured target head elsewhere, as appears to be the case West Ham with Botman, only time will tell.
Everton fans – where is Gabriel heading?
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