Everton dealt blow as Chris Smalling reportedly begins contract talks

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Everton reportedly want to sign Chris Smalling, but the Manchester United star is apparently set to be offered a new contract.

It was reported by The Sun last week that Everton were eyeing a move for Chris Smalling, with a January bid likely to be made for the Manchester United centre-back.

Smalling is out of contract in the summer, but The Sun reported that United could trigger a 12-month option in his deal and that was likely to prompt Marco Silva into making a move when the winter window opens.

The report hinted that Jose Mourinho was likely to want Smalling’s contract option triggered to largely ensure that the Red Devils did not lose the defender for nothing in the summer. So Everton may have been optimistic about their chances of getting something done in January.

However, the Daily Mail is now reporting that United would rather hand Smalling a new contract and have opened talks that could see the 29-year-old’s terms improve from £80,000-a-week to £120,000-a-week.

The latest report seems to be a big blow for Everton if they were planning a January bid.

While United were considering simply extending Smalling’s deal by 12 months, it appeared that their priority was just making sure that they made as much money from his exit as possible.

However, by actively looking to extend his deal beyond the end of next season and offering him a very significant pay rise, United have arguably issued a hands-off warning that will surely dash Everton’s hopes should Smalling decide to stay at Old Trafford.