Gabriel sends message to Everton target Wesley amid confirmed news

Gabriel has sent a supportive message to reported Everton target and Brazil teammate Wesley after his World Cup dreams were dashed.

The defender was injured during Saturday's friendly against Egypt, with scans revealing a muscle injury after he was forced off in the opening stages.

New Manchester United signing Ederson has joined the group in his place, with the 22-year-old now set for a summer of recovery.

Everton were heavily linked with a move for Wesley last summer before he joined Roma, with the Friedkins' ownership over both clubs meaning the links have persisted.

Especially with the Toffees' need for a new right-back, after Seamus Coleman left the club.

Gabriel sends message to Wesley

Manchester City have been linked to Wesley in recent months, in a testament to how strong of an impact he has had in Ital.

The 23-year-old's only experience before last summer had come in Brazil with Flamengo, but he has seemed to take on European football with ease.

The Brazilian has largely played in more advanced positions for Gian Piero Gasperini, on the left or right of midfield in a back-three formation, and he has even scored five Serie A goals.

Wesley is more than capable of slotting back into defence, too, which is the position he would have likely been in for Everton.

The interest remains, and any negotiations will presumably be aided by The Friedkin Group's ownership over both clubs, but a move now appears unlikely.

Particularly with Wesley due for an extended injury lay-off this summer. Arsenal centre-back Gabriel responded after news of the right-back's absence from the World Cup was confirmed.

"Forca irmao," he wrote, which, loosely translated to English, means: "Stay strong brother".

The bizarre Wesley situation that almost saw Everton sign him last summer

Last summer, reports emerged that suggested Everton were to sign Wesley from Flamengo before immediately loaning him to Roma.

The bizarre route would have likely seen the right-back join the Italian club permanently either way, with financial restrictions at the heart of it.

Ultimately, however, Roma had the room and the power to sign the defender themselves, and they will now hope to keep hold of him.

Everton's interest persists, but they may well have to look elsewhere in their pursuit of a Coleman replacement.