A report claims Smalling is expecting to leave Manchester United, with Newcastle United among the frontrunners to sign him.
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling [left]
Newcastle United have entered the race to sign Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, according to the Independent.
Wednesday’s arrival of Victor Lindelof from Benfica looks to have moved Smalling further down the Old Trafford pecking order, and the 27-year-old is said to expect to be able to leave the Red Devils this summer.
New Manchester United recruit Victor Lindelof
West Ham United and Everton have already been linked with moves for Smalling, however Newcastle are also looking to strengthen at centre-half after their return to the Premier League.
And, according to the Independent, the trio are at the front of the queue to sign the England international, although his near-£100,000-a-week wages could be a stumbling block.
England defender Chris Smalling [left]
Smalling is not the only central defender in whom Newcastle have been credited with an interest, with Eibar’s Florian Lejeune, Manchester City’s Eliaquim Mangala and Leicester City’s Wes Morgan all linked with summer moves to St James’ Park.
And the report adds that Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has also targeted Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross as “the man to build his defence around next season”.
Stoke City and former Manchester United defender Ryan Shawcross
Nevertheless, the opportunity to sign Smalling, who has won multiple domestic and European honours as well as 31 international caps, would be difficult for a club like Newcastle to ignore.
Which Newcastle United-linked defender would you most like to see at St James’ Park next season?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
