Everton and West Ham are both in the hunt to sign Inter Milan attacker Gabigol as he approaches the end of a successful loan spell with Santos, according to Goal Brasil.
The reputable football website report that his agent, Kia Joorabchian, is already in contact with several potential suitors, with the Toffees and the Hammers included alongside Crystal Palace.
Goal claim that Gabigol, whose full name is Gabriel Barbosa, has no intention of remaining in Brazil past the end of his loan in December, and dreams of a switch to the Premier League.
It is said that the attacking dazzler is aware that parent club Inter have no intention of using him upon his return.
Good move for Everton?
Yes.
Gabigol is a talented young forward who has shown good resilience to respond to a disappointing spell with Inter by returning to Santos and netting 18 goals this season.
The 22-year-old Brazil international is highly versatile, being able to play in the number ten role, out wide, and also up front, meaning he will be of great use to Marco Silva in attack.
While his career has taken a downturn since his move to Inter, when he was dubbed ‘the next Neymar’, Gabigol most definitely has the ability to succeed in Europe.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It looks like the wheels are in motion for Gabigol to secure a move to the Premier League, with the influential Joorabchian at the head of his affairs.
Conversations are reportedly underway with the Toffees, but it is yet to be seen whether that interest will turn into a concrete bid for the silky-skilled trickster.
Marco Silva has previous in bringing young talents over from Brazil and helping them succeed with Richarlison, and that could influence his decision to take a punt on Gabigol.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10