Transfer News: Manchester United submit £27 million bid to sign Gabriel Magalhaes

Manchester United have come up with a £27 million bid in the hopes of signing LOSC Lille’s Gabriel Magalhaes, who is also courted by Everton.

According to La Voix Du Nord, as relayed by The Sun, Manchester United are among the clubs interested in Gabriel Magalhaes. The LOSC Lille defender is currently one of the hottest defensive prospects in the market as he is also courted by clubs like Everton and Napoli.

The report claims that all of these three clubs have lined up a £27 million bid to sign Gabriel this summer, with Lille also ready to offload their prized defender. In fact, the French outfit has already identified Ajax’s Sven Botman as a potential replacement, meaning it is up to the Brazilian to make a decision on his future.

That is where Manchester United could face a massive blow as Gabriel seems to prefer a move to Napoli. There is, however, a sign of hope as the Red Devils’ recent qualification to the UEFA Champions League could potentially make a difference, especially with their Italian rivals set to miss out on European football next season.

And the addition of Gabriel could be a fitting way to kickstart the preparation for next season. Their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already stressed the importance of having a reliable partner alongside Harry Maguire, especially with Victor Lindelof not being up to the task.

Eric Bailly has also endured several fitness issues during his time at Old Trafford while Chris Smalling’s loan spell at AS Roma could be made permanent, leaving Solskjaer with Lindelof as the only viable option at centre-back. Gabriel, in that regard, should provide the Norwegian with some much-needed variety .

The 22-year-old has already shown his capability in Ligue 1, becoming a mainstay in a Lille defence that attained the joint third-best defensive record in the French top-flight that came to an abrupt end due to the coronavirus.

Gabriel replicating his performances in the Premier League should help Manchester United become even more solid at the back as they look to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool next season. It is, however, doubtful whether the Brazilian can do so, given the more competitive nature of English football.

Nevertheless, Gabriel, as it stands, is unlikely to arrive at Old Trafford and might instead move to Napoli. Hence, it would perhaps be a good idea for the Red Devils to shift their attention to other potential alternatives. They have been linked with a move for Pau Torres recently, although Chelsea are also reportedly eyeing a move for the Villarreal defender.