Chris Smalling target for West Ham and West Brom as Manchester United clear path for Michael Keane return

The Englishman has been publicly criticised by Jose Mourinho this season

Smalling is battling with Phil Jones to start in Stockholm on Wednesday night (Getty)

Chris Smalling could be set to leave Manchester United this summer as Jose Mourinho looks to strengthen his injury-hit defence ahead of next season.

Marcos Rojo, Eric Bailly and Daley Blind have all overtaken the England centre-back in the pecking order at United this season and Smalling missed the club’s final game of the season against Crystal Palace with a toe injury.

And that has left Smalling battling it out with Phil Jones for the right to start alongside Blind in the Europa League final in Stockholm on Wednesday night.

The Sun report that both West Ham and West Brom are keen to capitalise on the uncertainty surrounding his future this summer by making a move for the centre-back.

Slaven Bilic is keen to reshape his defence and is also close to signing City right-back Pablo Zabaleta, while Tony Pulis would like to reunite Smalling with former teammate Jonny Evans.

The 27-year-old was United’s player of the year last season but has struggled to establish himself under Mourinho, with the Portuguese criticising him for being “too cautious” and unwilling to play through the pain barrier on occasions this season.

Smalling’s departure would allow United to move for their former centre-back Michael Keane, who has impressed at Burnley this season.