Everton should avoid deal for Chris Smalling despite his form

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Everton have recently been linked with a move for Chris Smalling. They, along with Tottenham, are said to be interested in the player – as reported by Italian paper Corriere Dello Sport.

The report claims that he is valued at £16.5 million by Manchester United, after his excellent form on loan at AS Roma. The Giallorossi also want him, but are seemingly put off by that price-tag. 

So would Everton be keen on Smalling?

On the one hand, you can see why they would. Everton did make a move for Smalling on loan in the summer. As reported by Sky Sports, Everton had a loan bid rejected for the player in August. 

Everton have also looked short at centre-back this season.

However, it would seem an odd move considering the club’s current situation and FFP considerations. 

Mason Holgate has been a revelation recently and is well on course to be Everton’s player of the year. Yerry Mina is also loving life under Carlo Ancelotti whilst Michael Keane’s early-season cobwebs have been shaken off. 

Smalling, at 30-years-old, would not be an investment for the future and would arguably not come in as a first-choice option. At £16.5 million, he is simply too expensive. Everton did sign a player in a similar position last summer, with Fabian Delph’s arrival. But he cost considerably less then Smalling seemingly will.

When you also consider Smalling’s reported (The Mirror) £80,000-a-week wages then it is a deal that will have Everton pushing their luck regarding FFP for a player who might not start. 

It is no slight on Smalling, who has been brilliant at Roma and would likely be a valuable addition at Goodison Park. That said, Everton are better off bringing in a younger, cheaper alternative or promoting one of their talented youngsters from within.