West Ham’s search to improve their defensive line has led the Hammers to monitor the situation of an England international, reports say.
Metro claims new Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini is keeping tabs on Chris Smalling at Manchester United, amidst speculation the experienced central defender could leave Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho is looking to sign a new defender this summer, with the Red Devils heavily linked with a move for Tottenham ace Toby Alderweireld, and any arrival would push Smalling close to an exit.
Pellegrini is said to have been handed a significant £70m transfer budget for the summer and Smalling, rated at £16.2m by TransferMarkt, could prove to be a valuable addition.
Capped 31 times by England, the 28-year-old defender has fallen down the pecking order with the Three Lions, last appearing for Gareth Southgate’s side in 2017, and a transfer to the London Stadium could help him force his way back into the reckoning.
