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Go for it Silva – Why Everton should sign £80,000-a-week Man United star as Jagielka’s replacement

Why Everton should definitely make a move for Chris Smalling

According to the Sun, Everton are interested in making a move for £80,000-a-week Manchester United defender Chris Smalling. The English centre-back will be out of contract at the end of the season and talks of a renewed one is yet to be established.

The Red Devils do have the option of extending his contract by a year and if that happens, the Toffees will make a move in January.

Marco Silva should definitely consider making the move for the defender given that club captain Phil Jagielka will not be able to carry on for a long time.

The Everton defender is now 36 years old and has barely featured this season. Silva brought in Barcelona centre-back Yerry Mina in the summer and also completed a season-long loan move for Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma.

The latter has looked impressive at the back alongside Michael Keane this season, with Mina yet to play a significant role. But given that Zouma will leave at the end of the season, Smalling would be an ideal signing.

The former Fulham defender has been one of the ever-present figures in this Manchester United back-line and after a couple of mediocre seasons, Smalling has returned to form this season. He is a calm and determined defender who is also capable of commanding the whole backline.

He’s very good with the ball at his feet and can pull himself out of tight situations. The 28-year-old is also capable of initiating attacks by pushing forward with the ball, a quality that bodes well under Marco Silva.

Smalling is also very strong in the air. The centre-back is often seen making a number of important headed clearances.

His aerial prowess provides him with a number of chances at the other end of the pitch as well. Smalling scored a total of 4 goals in the league last season, with two of those coming through headers. The defender is also a menace in the box during corners and loves hassling the defenders. (Stats courtesy – Premier League)

Smalling certainly is the perfect long-term replacement for Phil Jagielka and an ideal defensive partner for Michael Keane. Mina will surely take time to settle into the league and that is why Marco Silva requires a proven defender.

Read more: Everton signing this West Ham star in need of regular football would be a game-changing move by Silva

Everton and Manchester United have previously negotiated a number of successful deals and have a good relationship. Marco Silva should do everything to engineer a move for Smalling.