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Everton signing this out-of-favour £18m Man United star would be an absolute coup

Why Chris Smalling would be an absolute coup for a struggling Everton

According to Daily Mirror, Everton are one of the Premier League clubs interested in signing Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, who has caught the eye on loan at AS Roma.

Chris Smalling, 30, joined AS Roma on a season-long loan this past summer as he lost his place at Manchester United after the arrival of £80million England star Harry Maguire from Leicester City.

The 30-year-old has impressed during his first few months in Italy and the Serie A club are already keen to make the move permanent.

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling tries to block Watford skipper Troy Deeney's shot. (Getty Images)
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling tries to block Watford skipper Troy Deeney’s shot. (Getty Images)

But Daily Mirror claims Smalling has attracted interest from Arsenal and Leicester City as well, with United open to selling the defender for £18million.

Everton, meanwhile, moved out of the relegation zone with a 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Goodison Park on Saturday. Duncan Ferguson is Everton’s current caretaker manager and oversaw the victory over Chelsea, but it remains to be seen whether or not he gets the job on a permanent basis.

It has been a season to forget for the Toffees, who are 14th on the table. One of the main reasons for their poor form this season has been a weak defence, which has conceded 28 goals in 16 games.

Everton failed to sign a new central defender before the start of the season despite Kurt Zouma’s return to Chelsea after the expiry of his season-long loan spell and Phil Jagielka’s release.

Chris Smalling would be a fantastic signing for Leicester City (Getty Images)
Chris Smalling would be a fantastic signing for Leicester City (Getty Images)

The likes of Michael Keane and Yerry Mina have struggled as a pair at the heart of the Merseyside club’s defence. Mason Holgate has been a breath of fresh air at the back, impressing with his ball-playing ability and reading of the game. Nevertheless, the Toffees are in dire need defensive stability in the long run and someone like Chris Smalling would be perfect.

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Smalling has enjoyed a revival of fortunes at Roma, with the England defender in the form of his life. He has been rock-solid in the Roma defence under manager Paulo Fonseca.

Manchester United's Chris Smalling battles with Valencia's Michy Batshuayi for the ball. (Getty Images)
Manchester United’s Chris Smalling battles with Valencia’s Michy Batshuayi for the ball. (Getty Images)

As per WhoScored.com, the 30-year-old has registered 1 tackle, 1 block, 1.9 interceptions and 4.5 clearances per game, whilst scoring two goals and assisting once in the Serie A this season.

Verdict

The Englishman is a seasoned campaigner and has volumes of Premier League experience. He would be a smart addition for Everton ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, with the Toffees in dire need of stability at the back. Hence, they must not hesitate to splash the cash to secure Smalling’s signature in the summer.