Everton are the latest suitors for Manchester United’s wantaway centre-back, Chris Smalling. After the 1-0 loss to Newcastle United in February, reports came crashing down over the incompetence of the Red Devil’s defence.
Jose Mourinho looked fed up with both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones and the Portuguese have been hatching a plan to offload the duo in the summer.
Smalling’s footballing quality has dropped heaps and bounds in recent times with the 28-year-old often lunging into rash challenges. His marking has also been below par and this is starting to not only infuriate the manager but the fans at Old Trafford as well.
Smalling’s emergence into the United team started under Alex Ferguson and in his primary years looked impressive as a young prospect. His development, however, has hit a brick wall over the past few years.
Mourinho is not a person who gives his players a lot of second chances. Look at the situation that is currently surrounding the club’s record signing, Paul Pogba. Recent reports claim the Frenchman will be dealt away within the next transfer window as well.
Smalling has had a prosperous career in a United shirt which has seen the 28-year-old win the Premier League twice, one FA Cup trophy and the UEFA Europa League in 2016. Now, it looks like Mourinho will have to either offload Smalling or banish him to a rotational role if reinforcements do come in later in June. If the Englishman does depart, Everton could benefit from his services next season.
Eliaquim Mangala’s loan spell is turning out to be a fruitless affair and Michael Keane is already being targeted by a host of Premier League sides. Sam Allardyce will not mind bringing in the services of a league winner who still has a lot of football left in his boots.
The Toffees are looking to transcend themselves into the title-challenging status and are prepared to make all the financial commitments necessary. They have already spent magnanimous amounts in the last 2 windows and improving upon the current campaign is key to their future plans.
They have already profited from the arrival of Wayne Rooney who, even at 32, is one of the best players in the club. Smalling will fit the bill in terms of experience. His 31 England caps and 175 League outings with Manchester United is something that can not be ignored especially for a side who are very vulnerable at the back.
