West Brom to make £10million bid for Man United defender

Joe Williams

West Brom are ready to ramp up their interest in Manchester United defender Chris Smalling this week, according to reports.

The England international only made 13 Premier League starts last campaign for the Red Devils and his future remains unclear with the addition of Victor Lindelof from Benfica this summer.

The Daily Star claims that West Brom will attempt to tie up a £10million deal for Smalling when they arrive back from their pre-season tour of Asia.

Baggies boss Tony Pulis is understood to be keen on reuniting Smalling with his former United team-mate Jonny Evans in the heart of their backline.

Leicester, Stoke and Crystal Palace are also believed to be interested in Smalling but the report claims that West Brom remain the favourites to land the centre-back.

Pulis lost Jonas Olsson to Djurgårdens near the end of last season and the centre of defence remains a key area to strengthen ahead of the new season.