Big clubs tracking Smalling and Shaw
Liverpool and Arsenal have been alerted to the fallout between Manchester United stars Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw and manager Jose Mourinho, and are both monitoring the players’ situations.
The players were publicly criticised by Mourinho after sitting out of United’s 3-1 against Swansea last weekend, ruling themselves injured.
Mourinho slammed Smalling and Shaw for their reluctance to play through the pain barrier and questioned their attitude.
This has lead to speculation that if the conflict doesn’t blow over, both players could seek to leave Old Trafford.
The Mirror understands that this could leave the door open for United’s Premier League rivals, Arsenal and Liverpool, to swoop in for the England internationals in the upcoming transfer window.
Arsenal were interested in signing Smalling in 2011 but Arsene Wenger was beaten to it by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Mourinho has also been linked with Roma’s Antonio Rudiger and Burnley’s Michael Keane as potential additions to United’s defence.
If United were to sign another defender, it could see Luke Shaw and/or Chris Smalling leave United.
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
