Reports in Italy claim the battle for Lille star Gabriel Magalhaes is gathering momentum as Napoli manager Gennaro Gattuso has personally called the highly-rated Brazilian.

According to France Football, Napoli are favourites to sign the defender Gabriel Magalhaes.

The French publication reveal that coach Gattuso personally called Gabriel and presented his case in ‘passionate’ fashion.

This impressed the 22-year-old centre-back, who is seen as a potential heir to Kalidou Koulibaly.

Chelsea, Everton, and Arsenal have reportedly been joined by Real Madrid in the race for Lille star Gabriel.

Spanish news outlet AS claims the Brazilian centre-back, 22, is now a £30million target for Los Blancos.

He has enjoyed a great season with Lille in Ligue 1, making 24 appearances.

Zinedine Zidane’s preferred target is RB Leipzig ace Dayot Upamecano.

But The Germans are demanding a whopping £54m, while Bayern Munich are also ready to compete for his signature.

Real are therefore looking at other options and Gabriel is understood to be high on their wish list.