According to Correire dello Sport, Everton are interested in Chris Smalling and could battle Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus for the 30-year-old’s signature.
Smalling has impressed on loan at AS Roma this season and is keen to turn the move permanent from Manchester United. Roma won’t be able to sign him if they don’t make the Champions League for 2020/21, however, so the England international may be available to other clubs.
United’s chief executive Ed Woodward wants £16.6m for Smalling who is currently earning £3.64m-a-year in wages. Everton would be paying well over £20m in total for a centre-back that has previously struggled in England and is in the eve of their career.
Smalling has turned things around in Italy, scoring and creating three goals in 24 appearances this season, but he’s not the type of long-term signing Marcel Brands normally targets in his role as Director of Football. Smalling will turn 31 in November, so there may be better options who will provide value for money.
Lewis Gibson could be an option next season too, having impressed while on loan at Fleetwood Town, so Everton might have an alternative under their nose.