Lille defender Gabriel Magalhães’ move to Everton has been ‘blown’ as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak.
That’s according to Il Mattino, who report on the Brazilian defender and a potential switch to Napoli this summer.
Kalidou Koulibaly has been widely linked with a move away from Naples this summer, with reports suggesting he and the club have accepted that this year is the perfect time to bring their relationship to an end.
Several prominent European sides have been linked, with Manchester City thought to be leading the race. Should he leave a replacement will be needed and, Gabriel is ‘the candidate’ as far as the Serie A side are concerned.
He has been heavily linked with a move to Everton for several months and reports earlier this year indicated the Toffees had everything in place to secure his signature.
Indeed a move looked extremely likely when it was revealed he had already completed a medical, but that has died down since the Coronavirus outbreak.
The enforced break caused by the virus, and the effect that’s had on club finances appeared to have delayed the move, and Il Mattino say that is the case.
They report that Lille want €25m for Magalhães as that is the fee they had agreed with Everton ‘this winter’. However, that operation has been ‘blown’ because of COVID-19.
That would suggest that any potential move to Goodison Park has now been completely ruled out given their financial situation, although other reports have indicated they are still in the picture.
If they are, they will have to face competition from Napoli as ‘armouring the defence’ is a ‘key element’ for manager Gennaro Gattuso, especially if they lose Koulibaly at some point.
It all, then, seemingly depends on the Senegalese defender, with his future determining what happens with Gabriel.
