Everton are keen on signing Chris Smalling from Roma this summer.
We recently covered the Toffees’ interest in the former Manchester United defender, and it appears that the Premier League club have followed up with a bid.
According to Ilsussidiario, the Italian club have received an offer for the player.
The 31-year-old had a difficult season last year because of injury problems, and Jose Mourinho is keen on defenders with more pace.
The report does not reveal how much Everton have offered for the player, but it is safe to assume that Roma will want to recoup most of the €20 million they paid for him.
SL View: Transfer could make sense for all parties
Mourinho worked with Smalling at Manchester United and will know all about him.
Smalling needs to play regularly at this stage of his career, and if he is not the preferred starter at Roma, it would be ideal for him to move on.
A return to the Premier League could be ideal – he knows English football well and could adapt quickly.
Everton need depth at the back, and Smalling could be a useful option alongside Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Ben Godfrey.
Roma would also benefit from his sale as they would reinvest the money into their squad.
Read: How Everton fans have reacted to reports of Benitez’s potential arrival.
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