Boost for Manchester United as star defender set to stay

Manchester United star Chris Smalling will not be sold by the club during the summer

Smalling has been a key figure in the Manchester United backline under Louis van Gaal during the current campaign but there have been murmurs that the Dutchman is not entirely impressed with the England international’s performances.

If United do manage to finish in the top four this season, it seems very likely that van Gaal will recruit a couple of new central defenders during the upcoming summer and at the same time – allow a few of the current crop to leave.

Smalling not going anywhere

As a result, Smalling had been linked with a move away from United and rivals Arsenal had been touted to make a £12million swoop for the England international.

However, it has now emerged that United are not looking to offload Smalling despite the fact that they will recruit a new central defender during the upcoming transfer window.

According to Sky Sports, van Gaal is looking to keep hold of Smalling and that Arsenal can forget about signing the defender in the summer.

Smalling joined United from Fulham for an undisclosed fee back in 2010 and has made over 141 appearances for the club.