West Ham face a busy and crucial summer ahead of them, as Slaven Bilic’s side looked to bounce back from a disappointing campaign this season and will look to significantly improve their squad ahead of next year.

The Hammers have been linked with an array of players in the last few weeks, with strikers and defenders being their priority, and some interesting names have appeared- none more so than Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.

27-year-old England international Smalling is reportedly surplus to requirements for Jose Mourinho ahead of the summer window, as he prefers alternative defensive options within his squad and gears up to make defensive signings of his own.

Smalling is certain to remain within the Premier League if he does leave Old Trafford and he’ll be keen to join a side that can give him first-team assurances, as the experienced defender will be desperate to seal his spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for next summer’s World Cup.

West Ham’s defensive line has looked consistently shaky this season and it’s set to be a huge challenge for Bilic to find the top-class defensive leader they require- but the news Smalling may be available has handed him the ideal opportunity on a silver platter.

Smalling excelled under Louis Van Gaal’s leadership previously but has struggled for consistency under Jose Mourinho. However, the ability is still there and the experience that Smalling can provide would be priceless to West Ham’s defence.

The Hammers made it clear they want to compete with the best following their move to the London Stadium last year and Smalling would be the ideal signing to push them down that path, as he boasts a winning mentality having won no fewer than eight honours in his seven years with Manchester United.

At his age, Smalling should also be at the prime of his career and West Ham can capture the best out of the England ace with the right guidance- and he can be the man to lead their defensive line, particularly if Bilic puts faith in the youth.

Given West Ham’s poor performances this term, many are calling for the likes of Reece Oxford and Oliver Burke to be given a chance next season and playing alongside Smalling would hand that young pairing a huge boost.

In the current market it’s difficult for a club like West Ham to capture a top-class defender like Smalling as, more often than not, they’ll be snatched up by one of the bigger sides in the Premier League. However, it’s unlikely Manchester United would approve a sale to a direct rival.

Of the sides in the top seven, you could only see Manchester United approving a sale to Everton and it’s debatable as to whether the Toffees need Smalling’s addition- whereas it’s clear that West Ham are crying out for a defender of his calibre.

Significantly, West Ham are still ‘big enough’ for Smalling to be viewed as a contender for England’s squad, although he could still experience the effects of the big-club bias that adorns the selection for the Three Lions.

With the right sort of guidance though, Smalling’s career could be put back-on-track in East London.