West Ham United are readying a swoop for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, according to the Metro.
The newspaper claim that the Hammers are keeping tabs on United’s movements in the transfer window as Jose Mourinho eyes up a new centre-back, with Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld thought to be a main target.
The Metro report that the arrival of a new centre-back will leave Mourinho with six options heading into the new season, with West Ham ready to pounce for the 6ft 4in Smalling should that happen [Transfermarkt].
It is said that Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini has a budget of £70million this summer, with two new centre-backs targeted.
West Ham World previously linked Smalling with the Irons under David Moyes, and it now seems as though Pellegrini has warmed to the idea of signing the 28-year-old.
Good move for West Ham?
Absolutely.
Smalling is a top quality defender who would slot straight into the West Ham starting line-up next season, with his experience at the top of the game with United crucial if the Hammers want to climb the table in the upcoming campaign.
The centre-back is still in his prime at 28 years old, and West Ham’s defence should see an instant improvement with the addition of the England international, who was unlucky not to make the World Cup squad.
It is not known how much United would be looking for from the Hammers for Smalling, but a fee around £15million would look to be good value for money, with the defender currently earning around £80,000-a-week at Old Trafford [Total Sportek].
Forever West Ham rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It looks like this one is dependent on United, with Mourinho currently assessing his options in the market.
While the Red Devils are known to be chasing Alderweireld, negotiations do not look to be going smoothly, and that deal may fall through.
Whether the club have other options on the table is unclear, but West Ham will simply have to wait and see what happens at Old Trafford before making their move for Smalling.
Forever West Ham rating: 3/10
