Everton are reportedly eyeing a move for Manchester United’s Chris Smalling among many other Premier League sides as the Englishman grows increasingly unsure about his future at Old Trafford following the arrival of Victor Lindelof from Portuguese side, Benfica. The former Fulham player has been in the Premier League for seven years now and could be a decent catch for any side.
The 27-year-old has had a season to forget with the Red Devils last term, where he missed 21 games for the side with a foot injury followed by a knee injury. The arrival of Eric Bailly from Villarreal last summer already had an indication of his first team chances dwindling and his underwhelming displays have now cemented it.
Smalling made only 18 league appearances last term, scoring and assisting once in them and thanks to injuries and suspensions to Marcos Rojo and Bailly meant that the centre-half got to play a part in United’s Europa League winning side. His chunks of top level experience could be a huge advantage for Everton, who have found themselves in huge defensive crisis during the closing stages last season.
The consecutive season-ending injuries to Seamus Coleman and Funes-Mori had left Dutch manager Ronald Koeman with only the ageing Phil Jagielka as a backup. Thanks to the brilliance of Mason Holgate that Everton were able to keep their Europa League spot intact in the tight few end games. A centre-half this summer is a prerequisite for Everton and Smalling could be a fantastic addition.
Although Jose Mourinho hasn’t openly said about his plans for next season, Smalling is wise enough to understand his cue and with United in a remodelling stage, his time is up. The Millwall academy product moved to Maidstone United when he was in the Under 19s and soon made his way up to the first team. Fulham recognised his talent a year later and he made his first big move to Craven Cottage.
It was Sir Alex Ferguson, who brought him to United in 2010, with whom he won two Premier League titles. Since then, he has played over 200 games for the Red Devils scoring 13 times in them. His break into United line-up also marked his debut for England back in September 2011. He has since then capped 31 times for the three Lions.
At 27, Smalling has played in all the major tournaments out there and Everton will have a real catch if they land him. Though reportedly, the Merseyside club will have to compete with the likes of West Ham and Newcastle United to land him, their European stature should seal it.
