The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton.

ESPN claims Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes remains Everton's “number one defensive target”.

The Ligue 1 club are reported to be “ready to sell” if they receive an offer in excess of £25million, with Manchester United are also rumoured to be interested in signing the Brazilian.

Gabriel played 34 matches for Lille in 2019/20 before the Ligue 1 season was ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Liverpool Echo carries quotes from Blues defender Mason Holgate.

Holgate has revealed how the faith of Everton Director of Football Marcel Brands aided his fine form during the 2019/20 campaign.

“I spoke to Marcel before going to West Brom [on loan for the second half of 2018/19] and I did the same at the start of the season because I thought I would have to go out to play games,” said the 23-year-old in an interview originally given to evertonfc.com.

“I felt I needed to get my point across and show I wanted more than to be filling up a space here.

“But I am glad I stayed with it and the Club stayed with me. Marcel has always shown faith in me."

The Echo also reports striker Cenk Tosun's recovery from knee surgery “is going to plan” and the Turkey international has recently returned to doing “light ball work”.

The local read adds the 29-year-old may still be months away from a return to competitive action, however, after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury while on loan with Crystal Palace earlier this year.