Carlo Ancelotti's tenure at Everton has thrown up mixed fortunes. 

The Italian managed to get the Toffees playing some impressive stuff when he first arrived but after the break for COVID, they found life tough.

The Merseysiders won just three of their final ten games in a rotten run that saw them finish 12th in the Premier League.

This was not the best of starts for Ancelotti who is now reportedly growing frustrated with the club's recruitment.

They are yet to sign anyone notable and they need to start finalising some deals before it's too late. 

Players like Thomas Lemar and Leon Bailey have been linked with moves so it must be disappointing for supporters to see no one put pen to paper.

It's now only a matter of weeks before the Premier League gets underway again so Ancelotti and Marcel Brands need to find something from somewhere.

Marcel Brands

In recent days, they've been linked with a defensive recruitment. As rumours of Lemar and Bailey go quiet, it's a player at Manchester United now catching their eye.

According to an exclusive report from 90min, Everton are contemplating a swoop for centre-back Chris Smalling.

Man United have set an asking price of £20m for the 30-year-old who is also being chased by Newcastle, West Ham and newly-promoted Fulham. 

Inter Milan and Atalanta are also admirers of the defender who was on loan at Roma in Serie A last term. 

It's thought that Smalling is keen to leave United and wants to be able to choose his own destination, rather than being at the mercy of his current club.

Chris Smalling and Edin Dzeko

GIVEMESPORT'S Matt Dawson says...

For those who haven't watched Italian football over the last year, you'd be forgiven for thinking Smalling would be a poor signing.

However, he was exceptional in Serie A last term, demonstrating remarkable consistency in the Italian capital.

The 6 foot 4 colossus won an eye-catching 3.2 aerial duels per match while providing numerous glimpses of his excellent ball-playing abilities. He completed 90.5% of his passes in what was one of the best campaigns of his career to date.

On top of that, he also silenced a certain Romelu Lukaku.

Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku

The forward left Everton behind in 2017 and after two years at Man United, joined Inter last summer. He scored 34 goals in 2019/20 but Smalling kept him quiet when Roma faced Antonio Conte's side in December.

The game finished 0-0 as the defender made two interceptions, three clearances and just the one foul. Impressive stuff.

Smalling has clearly come on leaps and bounds in the last year and would be a shrewd addition for Everton. £20m would be a bargain.