Manchester United news: Chris Smalling set to be handed new contract despite recent controversy

The United defender is currently recovering from a broken toe

Chris Smalling in action for United against Leicester City last September (Getty)

Manchester United are expecrted to hand Chris Smalling a new contract deal, despite recent controversy in which manager Jose Mourinho questioned the defender's commitment.

With two seasons left on his contract, which expires in 2019, United are prepared to extend his current deal, according to the Sun on Sunday.

The centre-back is battling back to fitness after Mourinho suggested he lacks the mental strength to play through his injuries.

Mourinho took a swipe at Smalling in the wake of United’s 3-1 victory over Swansea two weekends ago, but it later emerged that the 26-year-old was suffering from a broken toe and had played through the side’s 4-0 humiliation at Stamford Bridge last month with a pain-killing injection.

Smalling is allegedly close to match fitness as he looks to reclaim his spot in both the United and England outfit.

But with a United defence clearly struggling from a series of imbalances, it’s believed the side are also considering a sensational £25m bid for former player Michael Keane.

Mourinho’s men played with three left-backs when they welcomed Burnley to Old Trafford last month in a match in which Keane shined as the visitors kept a clean sheet.

After loan stints at Leicester, Derby and Burnley, the defender joined the Clarets from United in 2015 where he has moved from strength to strength.