Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is determined to see a deal clinched for Lille defender Gabriel.

The Mirror says Ancelotti has identified the 22-year-old stopper as the man around whom he can rebuild his defence.

And talks are already underway at a senior level to seal the £30million deal.

The centre-half – whose full name is Gabriel dos Santos Magalhaes – will join whenever the current season is concluded this summer.

The defender has packed plenty into his career so far, coming through the ranks at Dinamo Zagreb before joining the French club.

He has since picked up Champions League experience and his arrival is desperately-needed in a rearguard that has been way too flaky for Ancelotti's liking.

However, Gabriel's arrival is likely to spell the end for one of his centre-halves, unless the Toffees pick up a spot in next season's Europa League.