Tottenham have entered the race to sign Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes, according to reports.

The 22-year-old centre back is widely believed to have been identified as a potential target by several elite European clubs this summer – with Everton and Arsenal having also been linked with a swoop.

Fichajes.net even believe Tottenham have now turned their interest into a concrete £27million bid.

The Brazilian star, who is yet to earn a senior international cap for his country, had made 24 appearances for the Ligue 1 side this season before the French top flight was brought to an early halt.

And it appears increasingly likely that Gabriel has now played his last game for Lille, having played a key role in leading them to a fourth-spot finish, due to the admiring glances from the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho is said to be aware that bolstering his defensive ranks is a priority for the upcoming transfer window.

Jan Vertonghen appears set to leave the club when his contract expires next month on a free transfer, and the Spurs boss also reportedly holds concerns over Toby Alderweireld’s pace.

The North London giants are set to do battle to secure Gabriel’s signature, and the player himself has appeared to have left the door open for a departure.

‘It is gratifying because there are a lot of teams talking about me,’ he revealed to L’Equipe.

‘I want to go as high as possible, I came to Europe for that. England or Italy? Both are good championships.

‘I speak a lot to Luis Campos [Lille’s director of football] to see where it is best for me because he has a lot of experience. I also speak with my agents, with Gerard Lopez, with Jose Fonte.

‘Gennaro Gattuso [Napoli’s manager] likes me a lot? I don’t know, we haven’t talked. On the internet, on social networks, there are a lot of things coming out. I do not know what is true. I see every day, “ah Gabriel goes there, then there”.

‘But in fact, we don’t know yet where I’m going to go. Wherever I go it will be to play, to be at the top, at the highest level. And above all in a team that will allow me to go to the Selecao.’

source:- allfootballapp