West Brom are closing on a deal for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.

The Daily Star says Smalling, 27, is on his way out of Old Trafford after falling down the pecking order under boss Jose Mourinho.

And the Baggies remain favourites to land the ex-Fulham man, having expressed a strong interest in his services since the end of last term.

Hawthorns chief Tony Pulis is keen to reunite Smalling with his former Old Trafford team-mate Jonny Evans within the West Brom rearguard.

Once the Midlands club return from the Hong Kong leg of their pre-season tour of Asia, they will attempt to cement a £10million deal for Smalling.

Pulis knows he needs to move quickly to nail Smalling with Leicester, Stoke and Crystal Palace all monitoring developments.