Manchester United 'to offload Chris Smalling, Phil Jones'

Manchester United are reportedly ready to sell Chris Smalling and Phil Jones in the summer transfer window.

Both defenders have come under fire for their performances this season, and their faults were evident in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United in St James' Park.

Smalling was heavily criticised for diving during the match, while Jones was less than inspiring in the encounter that dragged the Red Devils into a race for the top four.

According to The Mirror, manager Jose Mourinho is ready to axe the pair and has told United's hierarchy that they need to spend big on new defenders in the summer after seeing Liverpool and Manchester City part with £75m and £57m respectively on new faces.

United remain second in the Premier League table, just two points above third-placed Liverpool.