Diop snag has Pellegrini looking towards Old Trafford

Manuel Pellegrini is ready to turn his attention to Manchester United’s central defender Chris Smalling after the negotiations for Toulose giant central defender Issa Diop hit snags.

Pellegrini is a big fan of the Manchester United player who, with a year left on his current contract, is reported ready to leave Old Trafford.

Despite agreeing on a fee of around €25 million for the Toulouse defender there are problems in settling personal terms and other payments and although the deal isn’t entirely dead, Smalling is now becoming a target.

The Manchester United defender interests a number of Premier League outfits along with striker Anthony Martial.

Pellegrini and the club are a long way down the road to signing Alfie Mawson but ClaretandHugh has learned Smalling is another central defender very much on his wish list at around €25 million.

As reported earlier today (Sun) the manager, director of football Mario Housillos and the board will be drawing up a high priority list of targets at a meeting on Monday June 25.