Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is coy over his interest in Lille defender Gabriel.

Ancelotti didn't deny claims that Everton are indeed targeting the centre-back and claimed that a move would depend on the player.

He told Sky Sports: "You have to ask him [Gabriel].

"Honestly, we are looking around - this is absolutely normal as all the teams do at the moment - but the squad, the manager, the staff are focused on finishing the season."

Ancelotti continued: "I hope soon Everton has to be competitive and fight for the first position of the Premier League with Liverpool, with Chelsea, with Tottenham, with Manchester United, with all the big teams.

"I don't know how long it takes but I hope that soon we are able to compete.

"We have a young squad with young players with a lot of skills, a lot of ability. I think just the fact that we can improve this skill and this ability can give us more opportunity to stay at the top."