West Bromwich Albion have been joined by Stoke City in the race to sign Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.
According to a recent report from the Express and Star, West Brom are one of the sides interested in Manchester United defender Chris Smalling – and one of the other teams in the running seem to be becoming a regular rival for the Baggies this summer.
The Express and Star reports that Stoke are also keen on Smalling, meaning that the 27-year-old could well be at the centre of the latest tug of war between the two Premier League sides, and so far, it has been grim viewing for the Baggies fans.
Manchester United’s Chris Smalling
West Brom went into this summer with plenty of optimism having done well for much of the previous campaign – still finishing three places higher than the Potters despite their late-season slump.
However, Tony Pulis’ former club have played a key part in draining some of the optimism surrounding the Baggies, firstly landing West Brom captain Darren Fletcher at the end of his contract at the Hawthorns.
That has since been followed up by Stoke winning the race to sign Kurt Zouma on loan from Chelsea – after the defender also held talks with West Brom, according to Sky Sports.
And finally, the Daily Star recently suggested that Stoke were also closing in on a £10 million move for Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph, who has been a Baggies target during this window.
Darren Fletcher switched West Brom for Stoke this summer
Of course, with the Express and Star suggesting that Crystal Palace and Leicester are also keen on Smalling, there appears to be no guarantee that West Brom or Stoke will win the race, or even that the centre-back will move this summer.
But if he does move on, and it is Stoke who win the race, West Brom’s frustration will surely reach another level having already battled with them on several occasions in recent times.
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