Tottenham turn attention to 27-year-old England international – report
By Derek Smithson
Tottenham have turned their attention to Manchester United and England defender Chris Smalling, according to a report.
The Daily Mail claim that Spurs are eyeing a move for the 27-year-old after losing out to Leicester on £17million-rated Harry Maguire.
It is understood that Mauricio Pochettino wants a centre-back to bolster his options for next year and Smalling is now available following the arrival of Victor Lindelof at Old Trafford.
The report details that the England international could be used as a makeweight in a deal for Spurs ace Eric Dier, who Jose Mourinho is keen on signing but is valued at £50million.
Smalling has been deemed surplus to requirements by Mourinho as the summer overhaul at United picks up shape and he will be allowed to leave the club.
The centre-back moved to Old Trafford in 2010 and has racked up 243 appearances for United.
He managed 36 appearances across all competitions last season and competition for places is set to be even tougher next year, with the likes of Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and new arrival Lindelof competing for a starting spot.
Smalling has become an important member of the England squad and has 31 international caps under his belt.
He completed 90 minutes in the recent World Cup qualifier against Scotland which finished 2-2 and played in a back three alongside Chelsea’s Gary Cahill and Manchester City’s John Stones.
Football Insider verdict:
Pochettino is keen to bolster his defensive options for next season and that will be particularly needed if he persists with a back three. Smalling would be a strong addition to the squad and be able to slot straight into the starting XI if needed. The north London club already have Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld as senior centre-back options, but will need cover to help them compete in both European and domestic competitions. Smalling would have no problem settling straight into Premier League football and also played an important role in United’s Europa League triumph last year. He may not be the most glamorous of signings, but the England international is a ready-made player that could provide strong competition at Spurs.
In other Tottenham transfer news, an 18-year-old attacker has admitted he would love to play for a team like Spurs.
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