The Hammers are keen to bring the London-born centre-half back to the capital this summer

West Ham are considering a move to sign Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, according to reports.

getty 2 West Ham are tracking Chris Smalling

New Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini wants to overhaul his squad this summer and is said to have been given a £70million budget by club chiefs.

The Chilean has reportedly made signing two new central defenders a priority, after West Ham ended last season with the joint worst defensive record in the Premier League – they conceded 68 goals, the same as relegated Stoke City.

And, according to the Metro, the east London club are interested in bringing Greenwich-born Smalling back to the capital.

2 Smalling battles with West Ham star Marko Arnautovic in the Premier League last season

West Ham are said to be keeping tabs on Man United’s transfer activity this summer, with Jose Mourinho also looking to sign a new centre-back this summer.

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld, and any incoming defenders would push 28-year-old Smalling down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

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West Ham believe that would present them with an opportunity to snap up the England international.

The Hammers are also confident of signing Swansea defender Alfie Mawson, as part of a double swoop with Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.