The Manchester United centre-back is yet another name linked with a January move from Old Trafford to Goodison Park.
In his seventh season at Old Trafford, Chris Smalling is still yet to prove whether he is one of the country’s most complete centre-backs or merely another English talent failing to fulfil his potential. At the age of 27, the latter appears increasingly likely.
And, according to the Daily Star, Everton are readying a January bid for the Manchester United defender who, thanks to an unfortunately timed toe injury, appears to have dropped to fourth choice under Jose Mourinho just 12 months after suggesting that he could finally evolve into Rio Ferdinand’s long-term heir for club and country.
United and Everton have frequently exchanged signings in recent years. And while Toffees boss Ronald Koeman has long been accused of short-termism, even utilising Goodison Park as a stepping stone to the top of the European game, his reported interest in Smalling demonstrates substantial long-term thinking.
After all, it is surely no coincidence that the speculation intensified just a day after Everton captain Phil Jagielka admitted that he is no longer guaranteed a place in the starting line-up, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
The 34-year-old, long viewed as a pillar of consistency to neutral observes outside of Goodison Park, has declined notably in the last three seasons with his performances in the current campaign forcing Koeman to drop him from the side for the erratic Ramiro Funes Mori.
Maarten Stekelenberg’s penalty saving heroics rather saved Jagielka from the spotlight after he conceded two clumsy spot-kicks against Manchester City but the defender’s poor performances against the likes of Swansea City and Arsenal, where he was red carded after picking up two needless yellows, have not gone unnoticed.
And with Funes Mori hardly convincing of his capabilities, Koeman could well be on the lookout for a long-term partner for Ashley Williams, with Chris Smalling emphatically ticking the relevant boxes.
Because, as it stands, Jagielka appears to have lost his manager’s trust. And that usually signifies the beginning of the end.
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