Everton and Crystal Palace eye €30m Tiago Gabriel as Lecce face growing transfer interest

Everton and Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Lecce centre-back Tiago Gabriel, with the Italian club demanding between €25million and €30million for the Portuguese defender.

The 21-year-old has attracted attention following his impressive development in Serie A, while AC Milan and Fiorentina are also monitoring his situation ahead of the January transfer window.

According to Tuttomercatoweb journalist Niccolò Ceccarini, Everton and Palace have already requested information about a potential deal.

Gabriel joined Lecce from Estrela da Amadora in January 2025 for a reported €2million and has since established himself as an important member of the Italian club's defence.

The Portugal Under-21 international has continued his progress this season, contributing two goals and one assist in eight appearances across all competitions.

His performances have attracted interest from several clubs, with scouts reportedly watching him at the Stadio Via del Mare.

Tuttomercatoweb reports that Everton and Crystal Palace have now made initial enquiries about his availability.

The two Premier League clubs are assessing a potential move, although neither has been reported to have submitted a formal offer.

Gabriel was also the subject of transfer interest during the summer, but Lecce retained him before agreeing a new contract in September.

Lecce officially extended Gabriel's contract on 17 September, securing his services until June 2030.

The agreement has strengthened the Italian club's negotiating position ahead of the January transfer window.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Lecce now value the defender between €25million and €30million.

That would represent a substantial increase on the approximately €2million they reportedly paid Estrela da Amadora in January 2025.

However, the Portuguese club are also reported to hold a 10% sell-on entitlement, which could reduce Lecce's proceeds from any future transfer.

The growing number of interested clubs gives Lecce the opportunity to assess their options rather than rush into a sale.

Everton and Crystal Palace face competition from Serie A clubs for Gabriel's signature.

AC Milan reportedly made an offer during the summer transfer window, but Lecce considered the proposal insufficient.

Fiorentina have also explored a possible deal, with Tuttomercatoweb reporting that the Florence club contacted Gabriel's representative, Jorge Mendes.

The interest from both Italian sides could complicate any attempt by Everton or Palace to secure the defender in January.

Gabriel's contract runs until 2030, meaning Lecce are under no immediate contractual pressure to sell.

Although the Portuguese centre-back has emerged as a potential Premier League target, there is no confirmation that he has expressed a preference for a move to England.

For now, Lecce remain in control of his immediate future, with interested clubs facing a significant financial commitment if they decide to pursue a transfer.

Everton and Crystal Palace could continue assessing Gabriel ahead of the January transfer window, although neither club has submitted a confirmed bid.

Lecce will meanwhile prepare for their Serie A fixture against Genoa on Sunday, 1 November, as they seek to maintain their league form.

The next significant transfer development will be whether any interested club moves beyond initial enquiries and submits an offer approaching Lecce's reported €25–30million valuation.