Man Utd boss to block Arsenal move for Chris Smalling

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is set to reject moves from Arsenal to sign Chris Smalling in the winter transfer window, according to The Star.

The England international has been strongly associated with a switch to North London, with the Gunners willing to pay a fee of around £10m to sanction the move.

However, The Star claims that Van Gaal is unwilling to let go of Smalling to a league rival vying for Champions League qualification, having already allowed the sale of Danny Welbeck to the Gunners over the summer.

It is also understood that the defensive crisis at the club could force the Dutchman into keeping hold of the former Fulham star.