Everton keen to sign Manchester United defender Chris Smalling on free transfer at the end of the season
- Manchester United have the option to extend Chris Smalling’s contract by a year
- Everton will bid for the defender in January if they are unable to sign him for free
- Smalling has been at Old Trafford since 2010 but could move to Goodison Park
- Marco Silva wants a defender as captain Phil Jagielka nears the end of his career
Everton want to snap up Manchester United defender Chris Smalling on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old, who moved to Old Trafford in 2010, has held talks over a new deal but is yet to commit himself to United beyond next summer.
And according to The Sun, Everton are ready to take advantage of Smalling’s situation by offering him a big money contract at Goodison Park.
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling (L) is a target for Everton at the end of the season
Everton boss Marco Silva wants to add another central defender to his squad next summer
United have the option to extend the centre back’s £90,000-a-week deal by an extra year, but that will not put off Toffees boss Marco Silva.
The Portuguese has reportedly had Smalling watched by scouts a number of times this season and has been impressed with the feedback he’s received.
Should United choose to extend the former Fulham man’s contract, Everton will make an offer for him during the January transfer window.
Smalling slides in on Manchester City’s Fernandinho during last Sunday’s derby defeat
Kurt Zouma has impressed on loan at Everton but is set to return to Chelsea next summer
Smalling has made 14 appearances for Jose Mourinho’s side so far this season and played the full 90 minutes as they were beaten 3-1 by rivals Manchester City last weekend.
Silva is on the lookout for another central defender with captain Phil Jagielka approaching the end of his career and Kurt Zouma’s loan from Chelsea expiring at the end of the season.
The former Watford and Hull boss has Michael Keane, summer signing Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate as the other senior defenders in his squad.
