Chris Smalling has suffered a shoulder injury in the latest Manchester United blow

Three reasons Liverpool should sign this out-of-favour Man United ace

Wed 17 May 2017 15:50, UK

COMMENT By Matt Bullin

Jurgen Klopp should do everything in his power to sign Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.

The 27-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford this season due to lack of form and a run of injuries, and could be looking for a summer move away.

It is not so long ago that the 30-time England international was regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.

Here are three reasons why Liverpool should sign him.

Solve the centre-back issue

The Reds’ defensive issues have been well publicised and Smalling could be the answer. Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip have both suffered with injuries this term, while Ragnar Klavan has failed to impress. Despite spending time on the sidelines this campaign, Smalling has never missed large spells of a season before, and could provide a reliable figure in the heart of Liverpool’s defence. He is an experienced campaigner, with 30 caps for England and more than 200 appearances in all competitions for United – he is as close to a sure deal as Klopp will find.

Bolster the squad for Europe

The Reds look set to make a return to the Champions League next season, if they can beat already relegated Middlesbrough in the final game of the season. In order to cope with the extra fixtures, they need to bolster their squad, in particular their defence. If Smalling struggles to usurp Matip and Lovren in the league, he will get opportunities to prove himself in Europe, and could force himself into Klopp’s plans that way.

Something to prove

Since Eric Bailly’s arrival at Old Trafford, and Daley Blind’s return to form, Smalling has found himself playing second-fiddle in Mourinho’s plans. Despite arguably being in the prime of his career, this has seen Smalling relegated to being a bit-part player this term, a shock for one of United’s most consistent performers over the last few years. If Smalling made the move to Anfield he would be doing so knowing there is never a way back for him at United, but he could prove himself, and make Mourinho regret letting him go.