Ex-England defender Smalling in talks with Porto

Chris Smalling has played his club football outside of England since 2020 [Getty Images] Former Manchester United and England defender Chris Smalling is in talks with Portuguese league leaders Porto. He has been without a club since leaving Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Fayha in the summer. The 36-year-old was linked with a move to Rangers but that did not materialise. However, while a deal with Porto is not yet completed, negotiations are said to be at an advanced stage. Porto have won all seven league games this season and already have a five-point advantage over second-placed Benfica. Francesco Farioli's side were beaten at home by Manchester City in their opening Champions League game. Smalling is keen to extend a 19-year professional career that began at non-league Maidstone, with the centre-back going on to play for Fulham, Manchester United - where he won five major trophies, including two Premier League titles - and Roma, where he won the Uefa Conference League under Jose Mourinho in 2022. He also won 31 England caps. Friendship with Mourinho & search for new club - what next for Smalling? The Premier League footballers studying to become sporting directors Who will start for England at Euro 2028? BBC Sport's predictions