Latest reports have indicated that Manchester United are yet to open contract talks with Chris Smalling. The news follows after Arsene Wenger identifying the centre-half as a potential summer target.
After signing from Fulham, the English centre-back has struggled to register a regular starting berth at the back of the defence. Despite being at the club for many years, Smalling has been unable to fulfill his expectation of establishing him as a reliable central defender.
Smalling has so far experienced an indifferent season. After getting the red card against Manchester City for two silly yellow cards in the first half, the centre-half had a mixed season. However, in the last few matches he finally started to produce more consistency to his game.
Hence, when Michael Carrick was offered an contract extension recently, Smalling was also expected to be offered another, as his contract is set to expire in the summer of 2016. But, latest reports have indicated that is not the case.
It has been reported that Manchester United are prepared to wait till the summer to make a decision in this regard. The more the club delays, the possibility of Smalling being released as free agents like Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were released last season, might well happen.
Also recent rumours have indicated that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is prepared to offer a 12 million transfer fee in the summer to sign the English international. Hence, with United reluctant to extend his contract, the possibility of Smalling following the footsteps of Danny Welbeck to Arsenal looks possible.
In a recent news conference, Smalling confirmed about the club not yet offering him a new contract. According to ESPN, he told, “That is one that I have not really discussed with anyone”.
Smalling, however, said he is ready to commit his future to United, adding: “I am enjoying it. I have always enjoyed playing for United, especially at the minute. If I can contribute, as now, then I am happy to stay as long as they want me.”