Seasons2019-20Rumour Mill

Smalling loan offer rejected

Manchester United have reportedly rejected an approach from Everton to take Chris Smalling on loan for the season as the Blues' search for a centre-half continues.

Sky Sports News reporter Alan Myers, among others, has tweeted that the offer was turned down as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer regards Smalling as a vital member of his squad.

United have this week concluded an £80m deal to bring Harry Maguire to Old Trafford from Leicester City and it is believed that Marcos Rojo is the more likely of United's defenders to depart before tomorrow's transfer deadline.

Everton had been hoping to persuade Chelsea to part company with Kurt Zouma this summer after the Frenchman's impressive loan spell at Goodison Park last season but the Londoners' transfer embargo looks as though it might dash the Toffees' hopes.

Antonio Rà¼diger's recent surgery means that he will miss the start of the season, leaving new Chelsea boss Frank Lampard with David Luiz and Andreas Christiansen as his only experienced centre-halves following Gary Cahill's departure for Crystal Palace.

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