Everton now prepared to make January move for £25m star who Crystal Palace want to sign

Everton are preparing a permanent move in the January transfer window for Lecce centre-back Tiago Gabriel. According to Football Insider, the Italian club is open to selling the 21-year-old Portuguese defender to the highest bidder, though the Toffees face competition from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and top Serie A clubs.

Everton manager David Moyes currently possesses central defensive depth with James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Jake O'Brien, and Michael Keane, who faces contract expiry in the summer. Dominic Lund argues, however, that signing a centre-forward should remain Everton's primary winter priority following Thierno Barry's struggles and Beto's departure to Fiorentina.