Manchester United have contacted Everton about a move for Chris Smalling, but the Toffees are more likely to pursue another of their targets.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
A report in the Daily Mirror has suggested that Everton still plan to make Michael Keane their priority target in defence during this window despite the fact that they have been offered the chance to sign Manchester United’s Chris Smalling.
The Mirror reports that United are ready to cash in on Smalling this summer, and have contacted a number of clubs about the prospect of signing the England international, with the Toffees one of the sides spoken to.
Manchester United’s Chris Smalling
However, the Mirror adds that Everton are much more likely to pursue a deal for the Burnley centre-back despite the fact that Smalling has seemingly been offered to them on a plate.
It could certainly be argued that Ronald Koeman is making the more popular decision by targeting Keane over Smalling if the pair are to be judged on their performances from this past season.
Burnley’s Michael Keane
Smalling only started 13 times in the Premier League, while the 24-year-old missed just three games for the Clarets as they secured a second consecutive season in the top flight.
And with Keane being a couple of years younger, it is arguably not difficult to see why Koeman appears to be optimistic that signing the Burnley star will be more beneficial to Everton.
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