Why West Ham United Should Go All Out For Manchester United’s Chris Smalling?
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to offload centre-back Chris Smalling following the arrival of highly rated Swedish international Victor Lindelof.
“I’m thrilled to join United. I’m keen to get started and contribute to the team’s efforts to win more trophies.”
The 22-year old ex-Benfica defender told this in an interview after completing a £31million move to the Premier League giants. The newcomer has now jeopardized Chris Smalling’s future who has previously been criticized by his gaffer for not showing wholehearted effort to regain fitness and United are reportedly open to listening to offers for the 27-year old English international.
West Ham United, in the meantime, have shown interest in the centre-back following a disastrous Premier League campaign as they finished 11th in the League and failed to improve on their 7th placed finish from the season before that. Slaven Bilic, the Hammers boss, has been monitoring a few of his key targets and Smalling is believed to be one of them.
Chris Smalling, who joined the Red Devils back in 2010 from Fulham, became a first team regular in the past few seasons but failed to impress the ex-Chelsea boss last term as he struggled due to significant injury concerns. Eric Bailly stepped up in his absence and is tipped to form a formidable defensive pairing with Lindelof for the seasons to come.
The Hammers brought in Portuguese Euro star Jose Fonte from Premier League rivals Southampton during winter in order to strengthen their vulnerable back-line. West Ham have a host of options in their central defence with the likes of Fonte, Winston Reid, James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna, whereas, youngsters Reece Oxford, Doneil Henry and Alex Pike are rated highly with a view to be promoted soon. But, these prodigies are too inexperienced to be a Premier League regular and both Fonte and Collins, 33, are now in
However, these prodigies are too inexperienced to be Premier League regulars and both Fonte and Collins are now in the twilight of their career. Collins had a miserable campaign, and Fonte as well struggled to settle in three-man back-line. Ogbonna missed majority of the season following his knee surgery, thus Bilic is keen to bolster his defence once more with an experienced Premier League resource who is capable if being a long-term solution for the Londoners.
Smalling, the two-time Premier League champion, will bring experience of highest order with his aerial and physical strength as well as commanding passing and crossing traits. Although he is untidy at times while tackling, the Englishman, overall, will be a prodigious recruitment for a mid-table outfit who aspire to be in Europe next season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYufJ8GevKw