Everton and Crystal Palace put on red alert as Lecce prepare to cash in on breakout Serie A defender Tiago Gabriel in January

Everton and Crystal Palace have received a significant transfer opportunity as Italian side Lecce prepares to sell their rising star centre-back Tiago Gabriel ahead of the January transfer window. Despite signing Gabriel until the end of 2030, the Serie A club are open to offers for the 21-year-old Portuguese defender. Both Premier League teams, Everton and Crystal Palace, are closely monitoring Gabriel's progress alongside other prominent Italian clubs following his stellar season last year.

Lecce's decision to potentially sell Gabriel to the highest bidder presents a major boost for the Premier League sides as they eye up the winter transfer market. Despite already having a strong defensive lineup, Everton's manager David Moyes is keen on adding Gabriel to his squad, even with a solid defense already in place. Gabriel's impressive rise from Estrela da Amadora's B team to the Italian club's first team has not gone unnoticed by recruitment chiefs at both Everton and Crystal Palace.

With the defender missing only two Serie A appearances last season due to Lecce's fight against relegation, he has already scored two goals and provided an assist in six league starts this season. However, securing Gabriel's services may prove challenging for Everton due to rival interest from Crystal Palace and other top Serie A clubs.

Additionally, Moyes must carefully balance his winter budget between a much-needed striker and a long-term defensive prospect, as the current lack of attacking options has cost the club six points in the Premier League standings.