Sources: Everton's chances of signing Tiago Gabriel in January revealed

Everton face stiff competition from Inter Milan and Bayern Munich for Lecce centre-back Tiago Gabriel, with the Portuguese defender preferring Champions League football.

Everton are admirers of Lecce centre-back Tiago Gabriel, but sources say the Toffees face a difficult task signing the 21-year-old this January. Crystal Palace are also interested, but the competition extends far beyond the Premier League pair — Inter Milan and Bayern Munich are monitoring the Portuguese defender, and Gabriel is understood to prefer a move to either of those clubs for their Champions League status.

Gabriel has impressed for Lecce this season, winning 69.2 per cent of his duels in Serie A and 75 per cent of aerial contests. Lecce are open to a mid-season sale to the highest bidder, but Everton will need to act quickly and decisively if they are to win the race against Europe's elite clubs.

Separately, former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has revealed the club are holding talks over a move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, suggesting he would not be surprised to see the deal happen in January.