Sources: Expected winner named in Everton and Newcastle race for Gabriel Sara

Everton are more likely to move for Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara than Newcastle United are next summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The pair of Premier League sides are both tracking the 27-year-old at the moment, but Galatasaray are keen to avoid a mid-season sale.

Newcastle were heavily linked with the Brazilian in the summer, but ultimately opted to sign other midfield targets, and he is now down their list as a result.

Sources say that Everton are best placed to strike a deal as a result, but there are "question marks" surrounding their ability to fund a move with The Friedkin Group looking to sell the club.

Sara notched 11 goal involvements for Galatasaray last season, and he already has four from his opening nine games this term.

The former Norwich City man remains a key part of the project for Okan Buruk's side, who won't sanction a sale while they remain in the Champions League.

Will Everton takeover be done in time to sign Gabriel Sara?

Sara was hugely impressive for Norwich back in 2023-24, as he notched 25 goal involvements in the Championship, and he has taken his game to new heights in Turkey.

He has regularly been on the radar of Premier League clubs in recent years, with Everton now emerging as the favourites to secure his services.

However, they may have to wait for their takeover to go through, despite the Friedkins pledging to continue funding the club for now.

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider on Tuesday that he is very positive that the takeover will be completed by the end of the season, with new owners in place.

If that scenario does play out, then Everton are likely to have their spending capability freed up by the arrival of the new owners.

Sara is a player who is firmly on their radar at the moment, but they will have to be patient if they want to land him.

Everton exploring January defender signing

Football Insider revealed on Monday that David Moyes is already pushing for Everton to sign a new left-back in the January window.

Vitaliy Mykolenko was ruled out of the draw with Hull City last weekend through injury, and he is the only natural left-back in the senior squad.

Sources say that Everton view their summer decision to loan out Adam Aznou as a "mistake," and are now hoping to rectify that in the winter market.

Jarrad Branthwaite deputised on the left of the backline last weekend, but is seen as being too important at centre-back to play there full-time.