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Leicester City are targeting a move for Manchester United ace Chris Smalling after defender falls out of favour under Jose Mourinho

LEICESTER CITY prepare a swoop for Chris Smalling as he slips down the pecking order at Manchester United.

Foxes boss Craig Shakespeare is eyeing the experienced defender to play alongside new boy Harry Maguire at the King Power.

 Smalling became the first player in the history of the Premier League to score two first-half goals as a substitute
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Smalling became the first player in the history of the Premier League to score two first-half goals as a substituteCredit: Rex Features
 Craig Shakespeare's side have secured three points from the first three league games
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Craig Shakespeare's side have secured three points from the first three league gamesCredit: Reuters

Following the mega-money arrivals of Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof to Old Trafford, the 27-year-old is enduring a spell on the sidelines.

Phil Jones and Bailly have started the new campaign as Jose Mourinho's preferred pairing at the centre of defence.

Leicester recently signed Maguire from relegated Hull for a whopping £17m fee following his impressive run in the Premier League.

Shakespeare will be hoping that the addition of Smalling to his squad will bolster his back-line following a shaky start to the new campaign.

Following United's 2-0 victory against Leicester, Mourinho claimed that he is not eyeing anymore signings this summer.

He said: "I was the first to tell my board not to feel any kind of pressure from me in that respect.

 Summer signing Maguire celebrates his Premier League goal against Brighton
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Summer signing Maguire celebrates his Premier League goal against BrightonCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Smalling has fallen out of favour under the management of Mourinho
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Smalling has fallen out of favour under the management of MourinhoCredit: AP:Associated Press

"Probably next summer, I will have to try and get a player from a position I think can make us stronger."

Although United seem ready to offload the England international, the Portuguese boss appears in no rush to make another before Thursday's transfer deadline.

Smalling began his career progressing through the ranks of the Millwall academy, before joining non-League outfit Maidstone United.

United signed the two-time Premier League winner in 2010 for an undisclosed fee, who went on to make his debut as a late substitute in a 3-1 win over Chelsea.

 Smalling in action against Cristiano Ronaldo
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Smalling in action against Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty - Contributor


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