Everton linked again with Manchester United defender

Every time talk comes up about Manchester United clearing house this coming summer, invariably Everton are mentioned as the leading suitors. We saw that happen last week when Jose Mourinho went ballistic on Luke Shaw, and now it appears Chris Smalling will be making the short drive from Old Trafford to Merseyside.

Mourinho has been threatening to bring in a whole new slew of players during the summer transfer window, and if indeed Ed Woodward is going to back him up with the finances, then Smalling is going to be one of the first out the door after seeing his role diminished this season with Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly being given preferential treatment, even though the former has been awful and the latter injury-stricken.

The 28-year-old defender has not necessarily been at his best over the last couple of years, but remains a better option for Everton than Ashley Williams who has been abysmal. Phil Jagielka meanwhile is at the end of his career and cannot be relied upon to be a regular starter while Michael Keane has struggled mightily in his first season with the Blues.

Despite his obvious flaws, Smalling has made 31 international appearances for England and remains an obvious name for the Blues to pursue this coming summer. Let’s see if Mourinho will really look to get rid of him though after he has already made 37 appearances for the Red Devils and even scored two Premier League goals.