CHRIS SMALLING is in talks with a return to the Premier League as Everton and Tottenham battle for his signature, according to reports.
The England centre-back has spent the season on loan at Roma from Manchester United and has reignited his career with a string of impressive performances.
Chris Smalling will be a wanted man in the summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Serie A side will attempt to land Smalling on a permanent deal at the end of the season but will face fierce competition.
According to Corriere Dello Sport, the Toffees and Jose Mourinho’s side are weighing up moves while Maurizio Sarri’s Juventus could also be in the mix.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does not eye Smalling as part of his first-team plans and is willing to cash in with the right offer.
Chief executive Ed Woodward is demanding £16.5million for the 30-year-old whose contract expires in the summer of 2022.
Mourinho is in the market for a new central defender as he prepares for life without Jan Vertonghen.
The Belgian international is out of contract at the end of the campaign as he continues to delay putting pen-to-paper on extending his stay.
He would also be considered a cheaper option that Kalidou Koulibaly who would set Spurs back around £127m.
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti was also be handed a huge budget this summer and will have the financial power to match Smalling’s wage demands.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
