Everton have emerged as surprise favourites to sign Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling. According to some United Kingdom bookmakers, the Toffees have been made favourites to secure the services of the England international. The 28-year-old has been a rock at the back for United this season and has formed a formidable partnership with Phil Jones at the heart of the Red Devils defence which has only conceded 19 goals in 27 league matches, which is currently the Premier League’s best defensive record.
According to the latest odds released by Ladbrokes, the Blues of Merseyside are priced at 11/10 to seal a move for Smalling, with West Ham United, Newcastle United [both 2/1] and Arsenal [3/1] close behind. It is believed that Sam Allardyce’s side could be on the lookout for at least one new centre-back in this summer transfer period, with both Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams well into their thirties now.
Allardyce has previously managed Smalling as part of his first and only England squad so it remains to be seen whether he ends up making a move for the experienced Manchester United defender in the coming months.
Smalling has featured in 32 matches for United this season and has one goal to his name so far in all competitions. At 6ft 4inch, he is a good aerial presence in both boxes which makes him an ideal asset for Everton to consider. He also has 31 international caps to his name and is currently hoping to make it to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup which kicks off later this year.
The Toffees are currently in 9th place in the Premier League standings with a tally of 34 points in 27 matches. They are just two points behind Burnley who are sitting in 7th place with an away trip to Watford looming on the horizon. The addition of Smalling will definitely bolster Sam Allardyce’s defensive options at Goodison Park and could help them close the gap between themselves and the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ in the coming seasons. The England international has a wealth of experience of playing at the top level and may turn out to be a shrewd piece of business if they can convince United to part ways with their prized asset.
Only time will tell what lies ahead in the future of Smalling and whether the bookies are correct by making the Merseyside club the favourites to win the race for his signature next summer.
