West Ham United boss Manuel Pellegrini is keen to sign Manchester United star Chris Smalling according to a new report.
West Ham have been linked with a host of stars since Pellegrini’s appointment as the Chilean looks to add some much needed quality to the Hammers squad, as reported by the likes of the Telegraph.
West Ham are interested in the likes of Felipe Anderson, Issa Diop, Alfie Mawson, Lukas Fabianski and Mario Gotze according to various reports.
And now Pellegrini has been linked with Manchester United defender Chris Smalling according to a new report in the Metro.
The Metro claims West Ham are monitoring Manchester United’s transfer activity as they consider a move for Smalling, who has long been linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho is in the market for a new central defender and Toby Alderweireld has been targeted.
And the Metro reports that should United land another centre-back, Smalling could be sold.
And West Ham would be ready to capitalise as Pellegrini has been given a £70 million transfer budget for the summer window with two new centre backs a priority.
With Mawson, Marlon Santos and Diop also central defenders it would suggest Pellegrini sees young star Declan Rice as a midfielder given West Ham also have Angelo Ogbonna and the injury-prone Winston Reid as senior centre halves.
It remains to be seen whether Pellegrini is given £70 million to spend, but co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have pledged unprecedented spending this summer under their new manager, as reported by talkSPORT.
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