Carlo Ancelotti's Everton keeping tabs on Chris Smalling

Carlo Ancelotti has done a superb job since taking over at Goodison Park, taking the Toffees from relegation danger to mid-table, and not too far off the European places.

However, one issue remains for the Italian to solve, the defence. Everton continue to leak too many goals and it has cost them badly on a number of occasions this season.

Like most Italian coaches, Ancelotti prides himself on a solid defence, and it is an area he will improve by bringing in one or two players when he gets the chance.

A number of central defenders have been mentioned, and now Smalling's name has also been thrown into the frame.

Once one of the most highly-rated and promising young central defenders in the game, Smalling lost his way at Old Trafford and was loaned out to Italian side AS Roma.