Is Everton’s reported interest in Chris Smalling good news for Leeds United?
Leeds United might be hoping that one Everton transfer rumour comes true.
According to The Mirror, Everton are interested in signing Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling in a move which would have implications for several defenders at Goodison Park.
Matthew Pennington, on a season-long loan at Leeds, is one of those who stands to be affected by Smalling’s potential arrival and it seems possible that the Whites have a better shot at signing the 23-year-old on a permanent basis if the Toffees bolster their defensive ranks.
Had things gone a little differently, Kyle Bartley might still be at Elland Road, but Swansea City recalled him after his brilliant season-long loan in West Yorkshire last season.
But Everton have loftier ambitions than Swansea and it seems unlikely that Pennington is good enough for the Champions League-chasing Toffees next term and therefore a permanent move to Leeds looks realistic.
Question is, will the Whites want him on a permanent basis? Pennington, valued at around £2.5 million according to Team Talk, hasn’t been bad by any means, but he has been nowhere near as successful as Bartley before him, with a lack of form and fitness stifling much of his loan spell.
It remains to be seen if Leeds want him on a long-term basis, but it looks like he might there for the taking – especially if Smalling joins Everton.
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