Report: Everton battling PL rivals for Man United defender
One of the biggest holes in this Everton squad – and it’s been the case all season long – has been a lack of senior centre backs.
The Toffees have had to proceed with Mason Holgate, Yerry Mina and Michael Keane as their only options at the heart of the defence.
That’s not ideal, because you’re an injury or two away from disaster, but the team have coped with it OK so far.
Still, you’d be surprised if the Merseyside outfit didn’t bring in another centre half come the end of the season.
Indeed, Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport reported on Monday that the Toffees are one of two teams chasing Manchester United centre back Chris Smalling.
It’s said that if Roma – where the 31-cap England international is out on loan – don’t qualify for the Champions League that they’ll be unable to sign Smalling permanently.
The capital side are currently in fifth place in Serie A, but sit six points behind fourth place Atalanta, who just beat them last Saturday.
Tottenham Hotspur are also in for Smalling, and both Spurs and the Blues are thought to have enquired about the 30-year-old.
Would Smalling be a good addition for Everton?
The United star has undergone something of a resurgence in Italy this campaign, and has been a regular participant for Roma.
He’s averaging 1.1 tackles, 2.2 interceptions and 4.2 clearances per game, while he’s scored twice and provided one assist this term, all to the tune of an average WhoScored rating of 7.12.
At 30 he’s not a long-term solution, but Smalling would bring added strength in depth to the centre of the Toffees’ defence.
However, with Jose Mourinho (Smalling’s former United boss) at Tottenham now, they may have the edge in this particular transfer battle.
In other Everton news, a former England international has been speaking about a potential exit of a Blues star.