Chris Smalling is in talks over a move to Portuguese league leaders Porto, with the former Manchester United and England centre-back looking for a new club after a spell without one.
The 36-year-old has been without a team since leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Fayha in the summer. He had previously been linked with a move to Rangers, but that did not materialise. While an agreement with Porto is not yet completed, negotiations are said to be at an advanced stage.
Porto would be signing a player who is keen to extend a professional career now in its 19th year. That career began at non-league Maidstone, from where Smalling went on to play for Fulham, Manchester United and Roma.
His time at Manchester United brought five major trophies, including two Premier League titles. At Roma he won the Uefa Conference League in 2022 under Jose Mourinho. He also earned 31 caps for England.
On the pitch, Francesco Farioli’s Porto have made a strong start to the season, winning all seven of their league games and opening up a five-point advantage over second-placed Benfica. Their Champions League campaign, however, began with a home defeat to Manchester City.