Chelsea 'move ahead of Everton in Gabriel Magalhaes race'

Chelsea have reportedly moved ahead of Everton in the race to sign Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes.

The Toffees continue to be strongly linked with a swoop for the Brazilian, and it had been thought that the Merseyside club were close to securing a €30m (£27m) deal for the defender.

However, according to Eurosport, Chelsea have stolen a march on Everton, with Frank Lampard's side now confident of securing Magalhaes's signature during this summer's transfer window.

Lille, who have the centre-back on a contract until the summer of 2023, has also previously been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Lampard has struggled to settle on a regular combination in central defence this season, and the Blues are also thought to be considering a move for Hellas Verona's Marash Kumbulla.

This summer's transfer window could be put back or extended due to the coronavirus outbreak.