Everton ‘are looking to sign ex-Man United defender Chris Smalling from Roma,’ with the 31-year-old’s future in Italy up in the air following the appointment of his old boss Jose Mourinho – who aimed several digs at him when they were at Old Trafford
- Roma aren’t reportedly looking to sell – but would consider a bid from Everton
- A deal could only happen with the Toffees if a replacement can be found
- Chris Smalling had an injury-disrupted season as Roma slipped to seventh
- Roma’s new boss Jose Mourinho has questioned Smalling’s commitment
Everton are reportedly looking to add Roma centre back Chris Smalling to their ranks.
The 31-year-old, who signed permanently for the capital club last summer from Manchester United having spent a season on loan, is not believed to be up for sale.
However, Roma are willing to listen to an offer from the managerless Toffees, according to corrieredellosport – although a replacement would need to be lined up for any deal to go ahead, with the bulk of the £18million paid for Smalling’s services last summer needing to be met.
Chris Smalling had an injury-disrupted season and Everton are reportedly keen to sign him
Smalling’s experience alongside the likes of Gianluca Mancini (pictured) is important for Roma
Smalling had an injury-disrupted 2020-21, making just 16 Serie A appearances and playing in the humbling 6-2 Europa League semi-final first-leg defeat to the Red Devils as the Giallorossi finished seventh under Paulo Fonseca, eight points and two places worse off than they were the previous season.
That said, his experience is valued whenever he has played alongside the relative youth of Roger Ibanez or Gianluca Mancini.
New Roma boss Jose Mourinho has a rocky relationship with Smalling from their time at Old Trafford and it is unclear if he has the defender in his first-team plans.
Jose Mourinho aimed several digs at the defender during time at Manchester United together
The Toffees are without a manager since Carlo Ancelotti abruptly left for Real Madrid
While the Englishman was a regular starter under the former Tottenham manager and although the three-time Premier League winner praised Smalling for playing through the pain against Chelsea, he twice took issue with the defender’s commitment.
After Smalling was unable to play against Swansea, Mourinho criticised him, unaware that he had a double foot fracture.
Mourinho repeated his unhappiness over Smalling’s lack of availability a few months later when he was suffering with a knee injury and despite Smalling revealing that Mourinho hadn’t apologised for his remarks, he said the pair had ‘a very good relationship’.
Mourinho also ridiculed Smalling’s ability on the ball, saying after the 2017 Europa League final win over Ajax: ‘I even joked with Smalling, “With your feet, we’re for sure not playing out from the back!”‘
