The representatives of Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes are in the UK to negotiate a deal for the defender, with Manchester United and their league rivals Everton battling it out for his signature.
United have pinpointed Borussia Dortmund and England winger Jadon Sancho as their top transfer target this summer but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer asl wants to bring in a central defender to partner Harry Maguire.
The club captain has largely impressed since joining from Leicester in a world-record £80 million move but the Englishman’s lack of mobility has been exposed on several occasions in his debut campaign and the Red Devils are scouring the market for a centre-half with pace.
Lille’s Gabriel has been firmly on the Red Devils radar in recent weeks but the club face stern competition from fellow Premier League side for the 22-year-old’s signature.
According to Sky Sports, Gabriel’s agents are currently in the UK and talking to two English sides, with United and Everton among those interested.
He underwent a medical with Everton before the lockdown but the Merseyside club have so far failed to finalise a deal for the player.
The South American is expected to make a decision on his long-term future over the coming days. Napoli were weighing up an offer for Gabriel but have since cooled their interest in the talent.
Lille completed the signing of Sven Botman from Ajax this week and the player is being viewed as a possible long-term replacement for the Brazilian at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
It’s understood Lille will listen to proposals of around €30 million (£27 million) for Gabriel.
