Loads of Everton fans have been reacting on social media, after Corriere dello Sport claimed Carlo Ancelotti is interested in signing Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.
The 30-year-old has been in impressive form this season while on loan in the Serie A with AS Roma, for whom he has featured 24 times for in all competitions and helped to keep seven clean sheets.
He has also started all 19 of his Italian top-flight appearances and registered 20 successful tackles from 22 attempts, plus 41 interceptions, 81 clearances, 28 blocks and won 75 of his 106 aerial duels, per WhoScored data.
Smalling would like to see his career continue in Italy beyond the current campaign as he loves life in Rome, where he and his wife can wander the city freely.
But it is expected that he will not continue at the Stadio Olimpico next season, as the costs of any potential deal are currently too high for the Giallorossi to meet without qualifying for the Champions League.
Smalling would cost Roma in excess of €40million (£33.2m), between the fee paid to Manchester United and the wages the England defender would look to earn.
Would you back a move for Smalling in the summer?
Yes
No
Red Devils Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward has slapped a €20m (£16.6m) asking price on Smalling, and that figure could yet rise further before the end of the season should the 31-cap international continue to perform as he currently is.
As such, Roma would have to qualify for UEFA’s premier club competition but linger six points behind Atalanta after 24 games in the fight for the final Champions League place.
If Roma do not clinch the position, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur could look to swoop having asked his agent and Manchester United for more information on Smalling’s situation, while Juventus are also paying close attention.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to reports that Everton could look to swoop for Smalling in the summer…
Give him Pienaar’s old shirt we’d never know the difference.
— Simm Minogue (@simm_minogue) February 19, 2020
Can’t see it another Delph style not worth it transfer
— Snaypious (@R3v3rs3Fl) February 18, 2020
No chance. Frankly, having watched them a bit this year, he’s been fine, but nothing special. He’s still a step slow to the ball and when the game is fast – and that HAS happened a bit this season in Serie A – surprising, I know – he gets exposed IMO. He’s okay. Not worth it.
— Ryan Williams (@RyanSoccerAA) February 18, 2020
Nooooooo please god just NO
— BILLO (@POPEYETOM1) February 18, 2020
Hes been boss at roma tbf
— ¹³ (@OwensYM13) February 18, 2020
Maybe his agent is representing some decent player too?
— Toffeemies (@Toffeemies) February 18, 2020
No. Now, how about going back in for Zouma?
— TX Bill (@GOT_TXBill) February 18, 2020
Bailly>>>>>>>
— igor (@igorbr4ga) February 18, 2020
I dont think they have , that’s the worst rumour I’ve ever seen
— The Street End! Block GT7 Row R (@andyc192) February 18, 2020
Hmmm not impressed
— steve Jones (@skjones505) February 18, 2020
In other Everton news, the club are continuing to scout one of Carlo Ancelotti’s January transfer targets.