IDEASGIST
Newcastle are targeting Manchester United defender Chris Smalling as Steve Bruce looks to strengthen his backline.
Smalling leads Bruce’s wanted list this transfer window, having enjoyed a successful spell on loan at Roma last season, where he played 37 times to help them to a fifth-placed finish in Serie A.
Bruce wants to ‘buy British’ this summer and former England international Smalling clearly fits the profile, although the collapse of the proposed Saudi-led takeover means his transfer funds may be limited.
Smalling’s last appearance for United came in the 2-0 home defeat to Cardiff on the final day of the 2018/19 season.
