West Brom should test Jose Mourinho’s loyalty to Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.
Manchester United’s Chris Smalling in action with Fenerbahce’s Robin van Persie
West Bromwich Albion have had a strong season, currently sitting in eighth place in the Premier League.
If they are to build on that success, they need to establish a long term replacement for veteran centre-back Garath McAuley, who continues to perform well at 37.
The Baggies have money available after their takeover last summer, the question is whether they have the ambition and pulling power to attract really top targets?
One such player they should consider making a move for is Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.
Smalling has made only 10 Premier League starts under new United boss Jose Mourinho, frequently finding himself on the outside looking in.
Manchester United’s Chris Smalling in action with Stoke City’s Xherdan Shaqiri
The England international has found himself out of favour with Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo starring for the Red Devils.
If another centre-back is brought in this summer, Smalling’s prospects of first team football will be even more greatly reduced.
This is all bad timing for Smalling, 27, who needs a big season next year if he is to claim an England place for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
West Brom have demonstrated they can be the right club for players to reinvigorate their careers, with Smalling’s former United teammate Darren Fletcher a clear example, and ex-Tottenham winger Nacer Chadli another.
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