Tiago Gabriel in a half Lecce and half Everton kit
Tiago Gabriel in a half Lecce and half Everton kit
January is still a couple of months away, but tentative links have suggested the Portuguese man is on David Moyes' radar.
And although centre-back may not be a priority, the Blues will not want to pass up the chance to acquire top talents.
So, with the winter window approaching, Everton will be looking for potential opportunities to strengthen their squad.
However, uncertainty over the Friedkin Group's future in L3 has put a cloud over the possible business that may be conducted in the winter window.
Nonetheless, a new boost in a potential transfer swoop for Gabriel has now emerged.
Everton face bidding war as Lecce Tiago Gabriel stance softens
Everton are seemingly looking to dip into the centre-back market in the next few months.
Gabriel has emerged as a potential target, with the 21-year-old attracting growing interest after establishing himself in Serie A with Lecce.
According to Tuttomercato, the race for Gabriel is now beginning to "heat up" with Everton making their move to sign the centre-back.
Previous reports linking Everton to Gabriel stated that Lecce did not want to sell the Portuguese defender; however, this latest update says now is "the time for Lecce to cash in."
A possible boost for Everton's chances.
The Toffees face plenty of competition for the Serie A ace, with Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Fiorentina in the picture.
Tuttomercato states that a bidding war is brewing for the 21-year-old, with Lecce standing to make a "significant" profit.
A price point of between £20.9million and £25.1m has been mooted.
Could Gabriel interest hint at possible Everton exits?
Everton have four centre-backs already at Hill Dickinson, which is enough for a side not featuring in Europe.
So, the links to Gabriel are interesting in that regard as it could point to a defensive shake-up.
Jake O'Brien had been tipped for a summer exit, and with his game time limited, and Moyes' refusal to consistently platform him at centre-back, it would make sense that he sought to depart.
Additionally, Jarrad Branthwaite and Manchester United are a link that still refuses to go away.
The 24-year-old is reportedly still a target for the Red Devils heading into the upcoming transfer windows.
So, it could be an interesting couple of months at the back for the Toffees.