Manchester United have tabled a proposal worth €29m (£26m) for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes and the Brazilian could move to Old Trafford “in the next few days” according to Napoli Magazine journalist Emanuele Cammaroto.

The Partenopei were also interested in the centre-back, along with Everton, and they had offered in the region of €22m (£20m) for the player, but the Red Devils are now in pole position with their higher bid.

Gabriel is a left-footed centre-half and there has been talk in recent weeks that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking for a new partner for Harry Maguire in the centre of defence.

Bringing in the Lille defender, who is also strongly linked with joining Premier League rivals Arsenal, would allow Maguire to move to the right side and would give United a better balance to pass out from the back.

Solskjaer was overheard speaking to Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake about needing a left-sided player a few weeks ago, but with the Dutchman going to Manchester City, it seems the Red Devils have settled on an alternative.