Everton enter defender race, Toffees willing to pay £20m asking price – reports
Everton are wanting to strengthen their defence significantly this summer.
Despite Carlo Ancelotti having a number of options such as Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate, the Italian wants a new enforcer.
Lille’s Gabriel Magalhaes was one of those on the shortlist, but the Brazilian is now on the verge of joining Arsenal.
Another name that has popped up is Manchester United’s, Chris Smalling.
90min have reported on their website that Everton have joined the race for his signature alongside West Ham, Fulham, Newcastle and some Italian clubs.
According to the online source, Smalling is set to inform the Red Devils of his next destination soon, with a £20million price-tag on his head.
It is suggested that Everton are one of the clubs that would be willing to splash that cash on the 30-year-old this summer.
Smalling has been superb in Serie A on loan at Roma in the past year.
The defender completed almost six interceptions and three clearances in each game last season according to WyScout, better stats than the most-used defender in Merseyside in Keane.
The 30-year-old was given his chance at Fulham, so the Cottagers being interested yet again could play a big factor – although surely Smalling would want the chance of competing for European football.
In other Everton news, Toffees mainstay reacts to scathing criticism from Sky Sports pundit last season