According to reports in The Independent, Newcastle United have joined Premier League rivals West Ham United and Everton in the race to sign out-of-favour Manchester United defender Chris Smalling this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, reports in The Telegraph on Tuesday suggested that Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho was ready to sell the England international this summer and that the Hammers and the Toffees were among the interested clubs.
However, now the story in The Independent claims that Rafa Benitez is keen too as he looks to strengthen his squad in the coming weeks to ensure that they aren’t fighting relegation in the Premier League next season.
Why is he leaving United?
Despite winning the Players’ Player of the Year award at United just over a year ago, Smalling fell out of favour under Mourinho after suffering two injuries throughout the campaign.
The 27-year-old slipped behind the likes of Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones in the pecking order as a result and the Portuguese boss also questioned his mental strength too.
That was as a result of Smalling refusing to play through the pain barrier as he continued his return from injury when Mourinho was struggling for centre-backs.
The England international has been pushed even closer to the exit door after United announced the £31m arrival of Victor Lindelof on Wednesday.
Would he be a good signing for the trio?
He certainly would be.
Benitez will be a particularly keen as he knows that Smalling has an abundance of Premier League experience – as well as in Europe and with the Three Lions – and he could be a hugely successful addition to the backline.
Everton boss Ronald Koeman may also fancy him as he looks to sign a younger defender to complement Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams, while the London-born defender could favour a move to West Ham according to The Telegraph.
Who’s likely to win the race?
It could depend on a few factors.
Smalling would know that he would be the main man at Newcastle and could see it as a good challenge, while Everton are competing in Europe and looking to challenge for the top four.
Meanwhile, West Ham are always an attractive proposition, especially they play in the city he was born in.
Whatever happens, he will want to be guaranteed regular playing time ahead of the 2018 World Cup next summer.
