Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling is reportedly the subject of interest from Arsenal.

The 28-year-old has always struggled for a first-team regular under Jose Mourinho, but the defender has been handed 24 starts in all competitions this season.

The England international has proven to be an ideal backup to the likes of Eric Bailly and Phil Jones but according to The Gambling Times, Premier League rivals Arsenal are interested in signing the centre-back in January.

The report suggests that the north Londoners asked about Smalling during negotiations over the Alexis Sanchez deal, but were told that the player was not for sale.

However, now it appears that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger may be prepared to return with an offer before the January transfer window shuts down in a bid to bolster his much-criticised backline.

Jonny Evans from West Bromwich Albion has also been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.