---
title: "Everton ready surprise move for Premier League rival’s defender"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/everton-ready-surprise-move-for-premier-league-rivals-defender/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Jai Worsman"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2018-03-25T11:18:10Z"
modified: "2018-03-25T11:18:10Z"
---

# Everton ready surprise move for Premier League rival’s defender

Everton are reportedly eyeing up a summer move for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, according to the [Mirror](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/everton-planning-chris-smalling-swoop-12246624).

The defender has been a regular this season for United but has faced many critics due to a number of poor performances and mistakes.

Smalling’s contract expires at the end of next season, leaving Mourinho with a decision to make regarding the 28-year old’s future, and Everton are among the potential buyers.

The England international has had his fair share of decent performances for the Red Devils, most recently in their 2-1 win over Chelsea, when Smalling impressed alongside Ivorian defender Eric Bailly.

Smalling has been capped 31 times for England, but inconsistency has cost him his place in the national team line-up; he hasn’t featured since the World Cup qualifier against Scotland last summer.

Everton could be looking to shake up their squad this summer and have also been linked with summer moves for Ryan Fredericks, Porto striker Moussa Marega and Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere.