Steve Bruce must convince Chris Smalling to join Newcastle United in the summer transfer window amid rumoured interest in the Manchester United defender.
The Toon emerged as a potential destination for Smalling over the weekend when reports by 90min claimed we, along with a host of sides from England, Italy and France, have shown interest in a potential deal.
Smalling spent last season on loan with AS Roma and is noted as favouring a return to the Stadio Olimpico but must first hold out, as the Serie A outfit are struggling to match Manchester United’s £20million valuation.
Another year on loan with the Giallorossi would suit Smalling’s intentions for his immediate future, however is unlikely to be granted the move as the Red Devils are keen to offload the 30-year-old in a permanent transfer and feel the vast interest will allow them to do so.
Newcastle, Everton, West Ham and Fulham are all understood to be offering Smalling a route back to the Premier League, while also being some of the only sides who would be able to afford Manchester United’s full asking price.
Inter Milan, Atalanta and AS Monaco are also named, but are aware they must convince Smalling of a move as the centre-half has told Manchester United he will only join a side where he feels comfortable.
Smalling will be basing his decision on hopes of earning a recall to Gareth Southgate’s England squad when deciding his next club, having been unceremoniously dropped in 2017, and is aware of the need to be playing regular first-team football if he is to do so.
The ex-Fulham defender started 29 of his 30 Serie A appearances whilst on loan with Roma, in which Smalling helped to six clean sheets, recorded two assists, scored three times and missed three big chances to score. He also averaged 0.8 tackles, 1.9 interceptions, 4.0 clearances and won 4.6 duels (1.4 ground, 3.2 aerial) a game, per SofaScore data.
Would you sign Smalling for £20m?
Yes
No
If Newcastle are indeed interested in signing Smalling this summer – and are willing to pay Manchester United’s full £20m asking price – Bruce must do all he can to ensure the defender moves to Tyneside in the current transfer window.
The club will struggle to find another centre-half who boasts as much domestic (219 Premier League games) and international (31 caps) experience as Smalling and would be someone Bruce can slot into any system or style at St. James’ Park next term.
Smalling’s hopes of earning a recall to Southgate’s England squad most likely will be best met back in the English top-flight, too, giving the club a weapon in our arsenal that Inter Milan, Atalanta, Roma and Monaco cannot use.
The only hurdles should be the interest from elsewhere in the Premier League, particularly Everton, as would Smalling feel comfortable joining newly-promoted Fulham or West Ham after they fought off relegation?