Everton will wait for clarity over the transfer window before pressing ahead with plans to try and sign Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Blues are admirers of the 22-year-old Lille defender and have scouted the Brazilian extensively, adding him to their shortlist of centre-half targets.
But Everton, like all clubs, are now finding it difficult to put firm plans in place given the turmoil created by the coronavirus crisis.
Premier League football is suspended until at least April 30 and though clubs are committed to finishing the season, doing so by UEFA's June 30 target looks incredibly difficult.
The transfer window was due to open for Premier League clubs on June 10, and close on September 1, but an amendment appears likely with FIFA discussing the issue this week.
And though Everton remain keen on Gabriel, with director of football Marcel Brands rating the left-footed defender highly, the club are having to bide their time before assessing the state of the transfer market and football's financial situation, which remains decidedly uncertain at present, before trying to close a deal.
Gabriel is said to be available for £30m but his asking price - and that of other targets - may change if the game is hit by significant losses in the coming months.
Everton have also been planning to strengthen the squad in central midfield and at right-wing while a decision has to be made on the futures of Jonjoe Kenny, out on loan at Schalke, and Djibril Sidibe who is on loan from AS Monaco.
The Blues have an option to buy Sidibe for around £12.8m.
