West Brom boss Tony Pulis lines up double swoop for Manchester United stars Phil Jones and Chris Smalling
Sponsored by
WEST BROM are lining up a double swoop for Manchester United centre-backs Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.
Tony Pulis is no stranger of luring fading Red Devils stars to the Hawthorns, having successfully nabbed Jonny Evans and Darren Fletcher, though the latter signed for Stoke this summer.
According to the Mirror, Pulis is a fan of Jones' versatility as he can also play as a holding midfielder, while he believes Smalling can be a key player for him.
The Baggies are desperate to recruit new defenders this transfer window, having allowed Jonas Olsson to sign for Swedish side Djurgardens in March on a free transfer after nine years of service.
While Evans is believed to be considering his future at West Brom, and is being chased by Craig Shakespeare at Leicester City, who have already had a £10million bid rejected for the Northern Irish international.
United boss Jose Mourinho rates Chris Smalling highly at Old Trafford - despite criticising his mental attitude throughout last season for failing to play through the pain barrier.
The 27-year-old who was signed from Fulham for £10million in 2010, started in both the Europa League and EFL Cup final - where he captained his side in the thrilling 3-2 against Southampton at Wembley.
He featured in 36 games in all competitions - just 18 in the Premier League, the same number as Jones played in the top-flight.
MOST READ IN SPORT
The 25-year-old gained praise from the United faithful for forging a strong partnership with Marcos Rojo at the back while a number of key stars were out injured.
Ivory Coast international Eric Bailly remains the club's number one choice, with Mourinho likely to partner him with recent recruit Victor Lindelof - who signed from Benfica for £31million.
However, it is hugely unlikely that the former Chelsea manager will allow both players to depart the Theatre of Dreams, considering Rojo is sidelined until the middle of the season after rupturing his cruciate ligament against Anderlecht.
Both men have two years remaining on their contracts with United, but know they must be playing regularly to stand any chance of getting in Gareth Southgate's England World Cup squad at the end of the season.
If Stoke fail to land either of the defenders, they will move swiftly for Stoke City's Marc Wilson in a £1million move, after he impressed since joining on loan in January.
West Brom have already brought in Jay Rodriguez from Southampton in a fee rising up to £15million.