Manchester United have held discussions with the agents of Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes, however, Napoli lead them in the race to sign the Brazilian defender, reports Mohamed Bouhafsi, of French outlet RMC Sport.
Everton and another unnamed fourth side are also keen on the defender.
REPORT: Napoli Lead Manchester United in Race to Sign Gabriel Magalhaes
Late to the Table
Gabriel is in-demand right now and is being chased by at least four clubs.
Napoli head the race having pursued him for a lot longer than Manchester United.
It remains to be seen if the Red Devils are capable of pulling a deal off, but they are working on several deals at the moment, Bouhafsi adds.
Where He Could Fit in at Old Trafford?
Gabriel is a young left-footed centre-back from Sao Paulo. Manchester United have been linked with numerous left-footers at the back ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appeared to tell AFC Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake, who is now headed for Manchester City, to ‘keep going’ as United ‘need a left-footed defender’. So Gabriel fits the mould.
If United sign a left-footed centre-back for the starting XI, it could see captain Harry Maguire move over to the right side of United’s central defence. With the new arrival taking his place in Maguire’s current position.
With some reported doubts over Victor Lindelof this could be a positive move to strengthen United at the back.
However, one should not get carried away as Napoli are front-runners. Though it suggests United are now very much looking to improve defensively.
Manchester United can offer Champions League football though, which is something the Serie A side cannot.
His Career So Far
Gabriel featured in the Champions League for LOSC last season, including against Chelsea on two occasions, though losing both 2-1.
He has contributed to 12 clean sheets in his 24 Ligue 1 appearances in 2019/20 before the season was ended early.
Despite his young age, he has featured over 50 times in all competitions for the French side.
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