Transfer Centre

Everton 'planning Gabriel Barbosa swoop'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 25 November 2018

Everton reportedly identify Inter Milan striker Gabriel Barbosa - who is currently on loan at Santos - as a possible transfer target in January.

Everton have reportedly identified Inter Milan striker Gabriel Barbosa as a possible transfer target during the January window.

Gabriel is currently on loan at boyhood club Santos having failed to impress upon his initial move to Europe, when he struggled to break into the Inter first team on a regular basis.

The Brazilian was given the nickname 'Gabigol' during his first spell with Santos, during which time he established a reputation as one of the brightest youngsters in football and was once cited as Neymar's heir.

However, Gabriel scored just once in nine appearances for Inter before being sent out on loan to Benfica, where he again endured a difficult time and scored once in five outings.

The 22-year-old has since returned to Santos and rediscovered his scoring touch with back-to-back hat-tricks in May, and Tuttomercato reports that his improved form has caught the attention of Everton boss Marco Silva.

The Toffees are reportedly considering offering the Brazil international a fresh start in Europe, having once been courted by some of the continent's biggest clubs.

Gabriel has scored 18 goals in 35 Brazilian Serie A matches for Santos this season.