Manchester United won’t know if their attempt to hijack Arsenal’s deal for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes has been successful until the weekend, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Brazilian has reportedly completed a medical ahead of a €30m (£27m) move to the Emirates, but he has yet to make a final decision on his destination.

Di Marzio claims both the Gunners and Napoli have had bids of €26m (£23m), plus €4m (£3.6m) in add-ons, accepted by Lille, although he does not confirm whether United have also made the same offer.

The Italian reporter does say, however, that Gabriel “asks for a few days” in order to make a final choice, with a transfer likely to be sorted in the next 48 hours.

United are keen on signing a left-sided centre-back but their move for the Lille defender does appear to have come too late. We shall have to see what develops.