Lille defender Gabriel Magalhães has already completed a medical ahead of a move to Everton, but the deal is currently in limbo as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, according to fresh claims.
Magalhães has been heavily linked with a move to Goodison Park for several months, with the Blues known to be on the hunt for another central defender.
Reports this week indicated that Everton were leading the race for his signature, while claims in England made it clear that the Blues believe he will become Carlo Ancelotti’s first signing this summer.
And according to Arena Napoli, that is very much the case, with the website reporting the defender has already undergone medical checks ahead of the move.
They report that their checks in France have revealed that Magalhães underwent medical tests with Everton last month after the Blues reached an agreement with Lille for a €22m deal including bonuses.
There is also an agreement in place with the defender, who has a contract offer worth €2m per season on the table.
However, due to the outbreak COVID-19, the deal is yet to be finalised. Everton have asked to wait until the crisis period is over before completing the deal and signing ‘in black and white’.
As a result, his ‘entourage’ are evaluating other proposals, with Lille hoping to earn more money from any potential sale.
Among these are Chelsea, who have also been linked in recent months, and Napoli… hence the coverage from Arena Napoli.
Magalhães, for his part, ‘observes possible developments from afar’ but at this point, it seems Everton are the ones closest to securing his signature.
In fact, given the attention from elsewhere and the very favourable deal they appear to have negotiated, it would not be surprising if it is something they look to finalise regardless of the current climate.
