Newcastle United are reportedly keen on signing Manchester United defender Chris Smalling in this summer’s transfer window.
Smalling returned to United last week after a successful season-long loan spell at Roma, where he became a fan favourite for his consistent performances in the Serie A.
A report from the Sun this week suggested Roma are desperate to sign the English centre-back permanently this summer, with United demanding £20m for his services.
And Sky Sports North-East reporter Keith Dowie has now revealed Newcastle have entered the race to sign Smalling.
Smalling has two-years left on his current United contract, but Downie believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made the 30-year-old available for permanent transfer.
It had been suggested by some sections of the fanbase that Smalling could return and fight for a first-team place with preferred pairing Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire next season.
But Smalling’s brave decision to move to Roma last season proves he is only interested in playing regular football and it looks increasingly likely that his future does not lie at Old Trafford as he cannot be guaranteed a starting berth.
Moreover, the Times notes that forlorn defenders Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are also being put up for sale as Solskjaer plans an exodus of surplus players.
Surely the United boss will be keen on bringing in a new centre-back if the club manage to offload all three of their transfer listed defenders in this window.
Understand Newcastle boss Steve Bruce is targeting Man United defender Chris Smalling. The England international has two years left on his Old Trafford contract and is available for transfer following a successful loan spell at Roma #NUFC #MUFC
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) August 15, 2020
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