Atletico Madrid closing deal for Valencia defender Gabriel Paulista

Atletico Madrid are closing on a deal for Valencia defender Gabriel Paulista.

Gabriel comes off contract at the end of the season and has already rejected an approach from Besiktas. However, Atletico's interest has changed everything.

The defender's agent, Hugo Garca, yesterday spent an hour at the Valencia offices with the sports director, Miguel Corona, to terminate Gabriel's contract and then travel to Madrid to sign with Atletico.

Atletico have made a contract offer to 2025 to the 33 year-old, who is eager to accept.

The injuries to Cesar Azpilicueta and Jose Gimnez, and the departure of Caglar Soync have seen Atletico make their move for Gabriel.