West Bromwich Albion are reportedly eyeing a move for Manchester United’s centre-half Chris Smalling as Tony Pulis looks to beef up his back line after a successful season at the Hawthorns. Smalling has missed large chunks of the large season owing to injury and is a major doubt for Jose Mourinho’s squad next season.
With Champions League participation secured for next season, Manchester United are planning to go all out in the transfer market this summer. The squad needs a total revamp in many areas and defence tops that list. With the likes of Eric Bailly, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo impressing in the central defence, Mourinho is eyeing to add more world class reinforcements.
And 27-year-old Chris Smalling is reportedly leaving Old Trafford in the process, as Mourinho’s eyes Burnley’s Michael Keane in that central role alongside Bailly. Smalling lacks the versatility that Rojo or Blind has, of playing both as a centre-half as well as full-backs. The English international is an out and out centre back, who relies on his strong focus on the game and dominance in the air.
However, even that didn’t work this season as he missed a whopping 21 games for United. Initially, it was a foot injury that kept him out from October to December, followed by a knee injury, which sidelined him from March till May. Although he played a big part in United’s Europa League final against Ajax, Mourinho doesn’t find the injury-prone player a reliable option.
This development has put clubs like West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United on high alert as both find themselves in huge crisis at the back. The Baggies had only three centre-halves this whole season in Jonny Evans, Gareth McAuley and Marc Wilson. While Wilson remained injured for long, Pulis had to call in right-back Crag Dawson and defensive midfielder Jake Livermore to take the place as and when needed.
Fortunately, the Baggies enjoyed a largely injury-free season that hardly forced Pulis to bring in players out of position. But, things might not be the same next season and Pulis is desperate to add defensive reinforcements this summer. The Baggies have also been linked with Chelsea’s John Terry for that role.
Smalling seems to be out of option and he couldn’t risk taking time choosing his next destination with FIFA 2018 World Cup fast approaching. In Pulis, Smalling will definitely have a coach who could sharpen his defensive skills and his huge presence in the back line could be a key addition for the Baggies.
