Report: Everton ‘intent’ on signing 31-cap player, club now working to land £21.5m replacement

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Marcel Brands has been boosted in his bid to sign Chris Smalling as Roma have identified Sven Botman as the Everton target’s replacement, per Il Romanista.

Everton are ‘intent’ on bringing Smalling back to the Premier League after two years in Italy, despite currently being manageress. The 31-year-old is also open to returning to England after leaving Manchester United for £18m in October.

The 31-cap former England international is open to a move to Goodison Park, as well. He faces an uncertain role at Roma, as Jose Mourinho is keen to sign a player with a different style.

Mourinho’s dream target could be Dutch ace Botman, but Roma cannot afford to meet Lille’s €25m (£21.5m) asking price. Instead, they are working on a deal that could see players join the Ligue 1 winners in exchange.

The Giallorossi are open to including Justin Kluivert, Cengiz Under, Alessandro Florenzi or former Toffees loanee Robin Olsen as part of any deal. Roma could convince each to join Lille by the allure of Champions League football, as well.

Roma would also face competition from Serie A rivals Atalanta in their pursuit of Botman, per Fabrizio Romano. The Gewiss Stadium side are rushing to agree a deal for the U21 international amid interest from the Premier League.

TBR’s view: Everton should ditch Smalling pursuit

While Everton are ‘intent’ on signing Smalling this summer, their Director of Football Brands should ditch his pursuit. For one, Toffees supporters were mostly underwhelmed by the initial claims of their club’s interest.

Smalling also endured an injury-ravished campaign last season that held the 31-year-old to only 16 Serie A appearances. He started just 13 of those, as well, and is now the fourth-choice option in Mourinho’s pecking order.

Smalling would now struggle to command a high ranking at Everton after his difficult second season at Roma. Fans’ Young Player of the Year Ben Godfrey would be ahead of him in the pecking order, while Michael Keane ousted him from the England fold.