According to recent reports, West Bromwich Albion’s desperate search for a centre half has now taken them to Manchester United’s forgotten man Chris Smalling, after the English international has decided to move on to Old Trafford, which s no more a productive option for him. With the arrival of Eric Bailly last summer and Victor Lindelof this one, the 27-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho’s reign.
The centre half had to endure a somewhat injury plagued season last campaign, which saw him getting sidelined repeatedly. Clearly, it didn’t help him get into the good books of the Portuguese manager and Smalling has lost a place in the line-up. His availability in the transfer market has got many English sides on red alert and the Baggies have to make a move and fast.
Despite finishing in the top half last season with a record number of points in the club’s top-flight history, manager Tony Pulis had to see his two most important players, Darren Fletcher and Jonas Olson, leave Hawthorns. And the Welsh manager is yet to find a perfect replacement at the central defensive position with just over two weeks left for the season to start.
Chelsea’s departed skipper John Terry was one of Pulis’ top targets this summer before the former England international decided to move to Aston Villa. It was followed by yet another Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma, who decided to go on loan to Stoke City instead.
Smalling could be Pulis’ last chance of getting a quality option for his central defence and the reports claiming that a transfer fee of £10 million could be enough to land him, will only make the Baggies fans more restless.
A youth product of Millwall, Smalling made his first move to Maidstone United as a youngster, when he was playing for the Under 19s. His impressive displays soon handed him a first team role when English giants Fulham recognised his potential. His first big move was in 2008 to Craven Cottage. His consistency got the experienced eyes of Sir Alex Ferguson, who bought him in 2010.
Since then, Smalling has played over 200 games for Manchester United winning the Premier League twice. He has managed to score 13 times for them and has even been capped by the national team 31 times.
If reports are to be believed, Smalling is also scouted by the likes of Leicester City, Stoke City and Crystal Palace, who are all capable of paying his transfer fee. so Pulis should act quickly if he wants to get this deal done.
