West Ham United transfer news as Chris Smalling eyed up for summer move
West Ham United are eyeing up a summer transfer move for “cult hero” AS Roma defender Chris Smalling, according to 90min.
Smalling is out of contract this summer at the Italian giants, however, he does have the option to extend his deal by one year.
The Hammers aren’t the only Premier League club interested in signing the former Manchester United defender with Fulham, Everton and Leicester also in the race.
“Roma defender Chris Smalling is the subject of interest from several Premier League sides,” as quoted by 90min. (25 February)
“90min understands that there are a number of English clubs looking to bring him back to his home country. High-flying Fulham – where Smalling began his professional career after joining from Maidstone United – are interested, as are Everton, Leicester and West Ham.
“Smalling has become a cult hero at Roma during his four seasons with the club, helping them to Europa Conference League glory last summer.”
Tough to pull off.
With stiff Premier League competition facing West Ham United in this one, it would be tough to pull off a transfer for Smalling this summer.
And Smalling himself seems to be keen on staying in Rome for a little while longer with the defender admitting he is “very confident” of agreeing of renewing his contract.
Nevertheless, the Premier League has never had more transfer-pulling power than it has at the moment and Smalling could yet be tempted by a move back to England.
He’d be a solid option to have in the Hammers squad too, especially if he played to the levels he has been for Roma in recent Serie A campaigns.
A wealth of experience at the back is needed in every top-flight squad and Smalling would provide this in abundance to the Hammers if he joined.
This could be a transfer story to keep a close eye on in the coming months but fans shouldn’t hold their breath on a Smalling Premier League return.