Tony Pulis helped West Bromwich Albion to what was their best season in recent times as he took them to a place in the top half of the table. Though they are no closer to a place in Europe, their next step, they are now a club on the rise and the manager wants to make some interesting changes to the side for the upcoming campaign.
Pulis is desperate to add a defender to his side with the ageing backline at his disposal and one player who is now extensively linked with a move to the Hawthorns is Manchester United want-away, Chris Smalling.
The English international enjoyed a decent spell under previous United manager Louis van Gaal but has not been able to establish himself in the first team under Jose Mourinho. And with Victor Lindelof completing his move to Old Trafford, it is reported that Mourinho is ready to let Smalling leave for a fee of just around £10m this summer. So should the Baggies look to sign him up?
The 27-year old English international is a crucial part of the national squad under Gareth Southgate but has made just 18 league appearances last season. A strong and athletic defender who loves to have the ball at his feet, Smalling is a decent passer but is adept at clearing the ball away from danger and dominating his area.
He is strong in the air and is capable of frustrating even the best of the offences in the league, as he has shown in his seven seasons at the club. He is known for making some rash tackles but if he joins the squad at the Hawthorns, he could turn into a beast under Tony Pulis.
The Baggies have used Gareth McAuley and Jonny Evans in this role extensively last season but both players are on the wrong side of their 30s and are not options for the long term. Jonas Olsson and Marc Wilson have done a decent job when called upon but neither are expected to be first choice next season.
West Brom are also looking at John Terry, who may be well past his best years as a footballer, making Smalling that much more of a necessity this summer. At just 27, he will be an asset for the club for at least three years and playing in a setup that is compact will reduce the pressure on the United man, who can express himself and get back to his best. Surely, this could be a match made in heaven.
