According to The Telegraph, Newcastle have asked about signing Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling.

What's the word?

The Magpies conceded 58 goals in the Premier League last season, with only six other teams having a worse record. It's therefore no surprise that Steve Bruce appears to be on the hunt for a new defender, and The Telegraph claim that they have Smalling in their sights.

The report reveals that the Tyneside club have made an enquiry to United over potentially bringing in the England international, but with just a few days left until the transfer window closes, they face a race against time to get it done.

Another chance in the Premier League

When Smalling left United to join Serie A giants AS Roma last summer, some may have thought that the England international's career in the Premier League was officially over.

Instead, the 6 foot 4 powerhouse's impressive display for the Italian side, has surely made the £18m-rated ace worthy of a second chance in English football's top-flight.

As per WhoScored, he averaged an impressive 1.9 interceptions and four clearances per game in Serie A, as well as boasting a 90.5% passing accuracy - in fact, his average match rating of 7.0, ranked him within the top three of central defenders in the competition.

Such were his performances, that Roma boss Paulo Fonseca raved: "He’s a defender that had never left England and he arrived in a league very demanding of tactics, where details make the difference. Chris adapted very quickly.

"He’s an extraordinary guy, very intelligent. He has characteristics that I really appreciate in the centre. He’s fast, nearly unbeatable in one-on-ones. He has a great ability to read the play and anticipate. He was very important for this club."

With that season of education in Italian football under his belt, Newcastle could be the big beneficiaries with signing a player who looks completely revived.