Jose Mourinho has told Roma defender Chris Smalling to report for pre-season training early, per TuttoMercatoWEB, amid interest from Everton.
Recently, Calciomercato have claimed Roma are not against selling Smalling to Everton for €15m (£13m) plus add-ons. Gianluca Di Marzio also cited the Toffee’s interest and claimed the club requested information on the former England international’s situation.
But Mourinho has told Smalling that he expects him to cut short his holiday and return to Roma on Wednesday. The Giallorossi want several of their players to report for pre-season training early after suffering with injuries last term.
Smalling is one the players Mourinho wants to see bright and early into his Roma tenure after replacing Paulo Fonseca. The Portuguese tactician fears being without a clutch of his options and wants them to work on getting fit for the new campaign as soon as possible.
The rest of the Stadio Olimpico squad are not due to report back until July 6. But Smalling missed 19 Serie A fixtures last term due to knee, bicep and other muscular injuries. It meant the 31-year-old only played 16 times, starting 13, and on just four occasions since January.
Mourinho now hopes Smalling can prove his fitness and be a part of his Roma side, despite interest from Everton. The Toffees cannot yet advance their position with Farhad Moshiri yet to hire Carlo Ancelotti’s successor, leaving Marcel Brands searching for possible targets.
Mourinho signals Smalling intent amid Everton interest
Mourinho telling Smalling to report for pre-season training early suggests he intends to keep the Everton target at Roma. It gives the former Manchester United boss an early chance to get a look at his condition and begin planning.
If the Portuguese is not happy with what Smalling shows, Roma can look to cash in with Everton an option. But Mourinho passing on the chance to work with the 31-cap enforcer again should raise alarm bells at Goodison Park.
Brands should see that as Smalling being a risky investment at £13m, having seen Fabian Delph struggle with fitness issues. The Blues paid Manchester City £10m for the Englishman in 2019, but he has only played 30 games, starting 20, in all competitions.
Delph was unavailable for Ancelotti from December to April last season after sustaining a hamstring injury at Burnley. He would end the term having started just two of his eight Premier League outings. Something Everton cannot repeat by signing Roma’s Smalling.
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