Unable to change Apple ID email

I would like to change my Apple ID email from @yahoo.com to @gmail.com.

The @gmail.com email was previously tag to another Apple ID account, but I have deleted this account 2 - 3 months back.

However, when I want to change my current Apple ID email, it still states that the @gmail account is not available.

//QUOTE//

Apple ID Error:

This email address is not available. Choose a different address.

//UNQUOTE//

Is it not possible to change the Apple ID email even if the other account was deleted months ago?