Smalling latest: United want revenge for Ramsey
Add comment January 26th, 2010
Sky Sports News, that most understanding of sports news channels, understands that Manchester United’s bid for Fulham defender Chris Smalling has been accepted. Arsenal have a long-term interest in the player, and are now faced with a decision as to whether they match United’s bid and go head-to-head for one of the Britain’s brightest talents.
The last time they did so, Arsenal came out on top, with Aaron Ramsey resisting the advances of Gary Neville (who wouldn’t?) to sign on at the Emirates. Whether or not Smalling would make the same decision will now be put to the test – assuming, that is, that we’re prepared to equal United’s offer.
The need for a young centre-back is paramount. Although Johan Djourou has potential, he has suffered a string of worrying injuries early in his career. Add in the departure of Senderos and the fact that Gallas, Campbell and Silvestre could all walk away in July and it’s clear reinforcements are urgently required. Signing Smalling now would enable him to learn from Gallas and, crucially, Sol Campbell: two veterans who possess varying but undeniable qualities.
Smalling’s rise has been quite remarkable. In 2007, he was playing for Maidstone in the Ryman Youth Leage.
A year later, he rejected overtures from Middlesbrough to sign for Roy Hodgson’s Fulham. After breaking in to the England U-20 set-up, he rose to prominence this year with a magnificent display at Stamford Bridge, marred by a cruel own-goal to gift Chelsea a winner. The display drew comparisons with a young Rio Ferdinand, and caught the attention of Arsene Wenger, and, it would seem, Sralex Ferguson.
There are only a few days now until the window closes. With a striker seemingly off the radar, the Smalling signing is the only one we’re bigging up (geddit?).
In other news that might irk United, Emmanuel Eboue and (more importantly) Alex Song are coming home, having both crashed out of the African Nations Cup at the quarter-final stage. They should be available for Sunday’s game against the Champions.
