PL winning defender set for axe, West Ham and Everton in the hunt - report

By Danny Wright

Chris Smalling will be axed by Manchester United this summer, according to a report.

The Daily Star claims that West Ham and Everton are in the hunt for the unwanted defender, who has won two Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford.

It is also understood that Crystal Palace are monitoring the situation of the 27-year-old.

According to the Star, Smalling could be looking to move back down south to West Ham or Palace after switching to United from Fulham in a £10million deal in January 2010.

While it is also said that a switch to Everton could be on the cards, as it would give the 30-times England international the chance to stay in European competition.

Jose Mourinho has already added Victor Lindelof to his defensive ranks since the season ended while it is also understood that he is keeping tabs on Burnely's Michael Keane.

Smalling made 36 appearances across all competitions for Man United this season, scoring two goals.

He played all 90 minutes of United's Europa League final triumph over Ajax in May but his season has largely been scuppered by knee and foot injuries.

The centre-back has played a total of 243 times for United and scored 13 goals.

Football Insider Verdict

Smalling has definitely had a very mixed spell at Old Trafford. He's shown glimpses of being a real top quality Premier League centre-back, while at times he has been full of mistakes and spent a lot of time sidelined through injury. However he would make a very good addition to West Ham or Everton. The 27-year-old has a lot of pace for a centre-back, which is key to helping defend against attackers like Alexis Sanchez, Sergio Ageuro or Eden Hazard. Both the Hammers and Toffees will want European football again next year and keeping a strong back line against top sides is the key to doing that. Smalling could be the answer.

In other West Ham news, this Hammers 26-year-old has admitted that he will consider a move to the Bundesliga.

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