Manchester United boss wants centre-back to sign new long-term contract

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen on extending the contract of Chris Smalling with his existing deal expiring at the end of the season.

The England international joined the Red Devils from Fulham in the summer of 2010 and he has since been a regular first-team player, contributing nearly 300 appearances in all competitions.

Smalling has previously indicated that he plans to stay on with the club beyond the current campaign and The Star claims that a contract renewal could be discussed with him at some point in the coming weeks.

Arsenal have been linked with the former Fulham man in the past but they are said to have failed with a couple of attempts to sign him during Louis van Gaal's reign at Old Trafford.

Smalling started the season as a regular on the substitutes' bench but a defensive error for Eric Bailly against Brighton has meant that he has reclaimed a regular starting spot for the past four league games.