Manchester United are ready to hand Chris Smalling a new contract.

The Daily Mail says United have opened contract talks with Smalling in a bid to keep the defender at Old Trafford.

Smalling's current £80,000-a-week deal runs out in the summer and it's understood that he is looking to increase that figure to closer to £120,000.

United have the option of activating a 12-month extension on Smalling's contract, although the club would prefer to agree fresh terms before the end of the season.

The future of United's central defenders - Smalling, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Victor Lindelof - has been uncertain for some time with Jose Mourinho making no secret of his plans to strengthen in that department.

Smalling, who turns 29 on Thursday, has been linked with a move to Everton in the summer even though it's understood that he would only consider joining a Champions League club.