Everton ‘are looking to sign former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling from Roma’… with the England man’s new boss Jose Mourinho aiming several digs at him while the pair were at Old Trafford
- Roma aren’t reportedly looking to sell – but would consider a bid from Everton
- A deal could only happen with the Toffees though if a replacement was found
- Chris Smalling had an injury-disrupted season as Roma slipped to seventh
- However, his experience is valued alongside Gianluca Mancini or Roger Ibanez
- Roma’s new boss Jose Mourinho has questioned Smalling’s commitment before
- He also ridiculed Smalling over his ability after the 2017 Europa League final win
Everton are reportedly looking to add Roma centre back Chris Smalling to their ranks.
The 31-year-old, who signed permanently for the capital club last summer from Manchester United having spent a season on loan, is not believed to be up for sale.
However, Roma are willing to listen to an offer from the managerless Toffees, according to corrieredellosport – although a replacement would need to be lined up for any deal to go ahead, with the bulk of the £18million paid for Smalling’s services last summer needing to be met.
Chris Smalling had an injury-disrupted season and Everton are reportedly keen to sign him
Smalling’s experience alongside the likes of Gianluca Mancini (pictured) is important for Roma
Jose Mourinho aimed several digs at the defender during time at Manchester United together
Smalling had an injury-disrupted 2020/21, making just 16 Serie A apperances and appearing the humbling 6-2 Europa League semi-final first-leg defeat to the Red Devils as the Giallorossi finished seventh under Paulo Fonseca, eight points and two places worse off than they were the previous season.
That said, his experience is valued whenever he has played alongside the relative youth of Roger Ibanez or Gianluca Mancini.
New Roma boss Jose Mourinho also has a rocky relationship with Smalling from their time at Old Trafford.
While the Englishman was a regular starter under the former Tottenham manager and although the three-time Premier League winner praised Smalling for playing through the pain against Chelsea, he twice took issue with the defender’s commitment.
After Smalling was unable to play against Swansea, Mourinho criticised him, unaware that he had a double foot fracture.
Mourinho repeated his unhappiness over Smalling’s lack of availability a few months later when he was suffering with a knee injury and despite Smalling revealing that Mourinho hadn’t apologised for his remarks, he said the pair had ‘a very good relationship’.
The Toffees are without a manager since Carlo Ancelotti abruptly left for Real Madrid
Smalling and his family were victims of an armed robbery as the player was held at gunpoint
Mourinho also ridiculed Smalling’s ability on the ball, saying after the 2017 Europa League final win over Ajax: ‘I even joked with Smalling, “With your feet, we’re for sure not playing out from the back!”‘
Smalling’s time in Italy has been marred somewhat by an armed robbery in April as the father of one was held at gunpoint and forced to open with the family’s safe. The intruders made off with £100,000 worth of jewellery.
