Manchester United Transfer News: Chris Smalling Reportedly Targeted by Everton

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has reportedly emerged as a summer transfer target for Everton.

The Toffees have been watching the 28-year-old in action, and he could be deemed surplus to requirements as United manager Jose Mourinho wants to bring in another centre-back, per Tom Hopkinson at the Sunday People. 

Smalling has been a regular for the Red Devils this season, but he's often far from convincing. The Red Devils already have plenty of centre-back options with Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Victor Lindelof all available.

The club have recently extended Rojo's contract, which means Smalling and Jones are the only central defenders at the club yet to have their deals renewed, per Samuel Luckhurst at the Manchester Evening News:

Bailly is the club's first choice, with the other players vying for a place alongside him in the United defence. The club will target another defender in the summer, which will put pressure on Smalling and Jones, per Marca's Chris Winterburn:

Miguel Delaney at The Independent highlighted the gap in quality between Smalling and Bailly:

United have been linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld but face competition from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, per Matt Law at the Telegraph.

A partnership of Alderweireld and Bailly could help United land the Premier League title, per Luckhurst:

The Red Devils have also targeted Real Madrid's Raphael Varane who could cost £50 million, according to  David McDonnell at the Mirror.

Either Varane or Alderweireld would prove an upgrade on Smalling although it's unlikely Real Madrid would be willing to allow a key member of the squad to leave. Alderweireld appears a far more attainable target as he has been unable to agree a new deal with Spurs, but he is likely to have other admirers.