West Ham are lining up a bid to sign Manchester United enforcer Chris Smalling, according to westhamworld.co.uk.
The news outlet claims that the Hammers are planning to submit a £12million offer for the defender, who has twice won the Premier League title.
It is understood that the centre-back is out of contract at Old Trafford in 2019 and David Moyes’ side have listed him as a summer target.
The report further details that Newcastle United’s Jamaal Lascelles is also on their radar and that they could pay up to £18million for the Premier League captain.
West Ham reportedly want to secure a deal for both centre-backs before the World Cup starts on 14 June, with both in the running to be included in the England squad.
Good move for West Ham?
West Ham have had their defensive frailties this season and adding someone of Smalling’s calibre in the summer would be an excellent piece of business.
The 28-year-old has been an important player for Man United over the years and the majority of the time is a no-nonsense defender that is strong in the air.
A reported £12million fee would be excellent business for the Hammers if they could complete a deal for Smalling around that price and he would be a great addition at the London Stadium.
Forever West Ham rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Smalling’s long-term future at Man United is hardly set in stone, but it would be a slight surprise to see him go in the summer after 45 appearances this season.
West Ham are keen to wrap up their business in the few weeks before the summer’s World Cup and could have the work cut out.
Forever West Ham rating: 3/10
