Former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is in advanced talks to join Porto

Chris Smalling, 36, a former Manchester United and England national team centre-back, is in transfer talks with Portuguese league leaders Porto.

Chris Smalling has been a free agent since leaving Saudi league club Al-Fayha this summer. While previous transfer rumors linked him with Scottish Premiership side Rangers ultimately fell through, his talks with Porto are now in the final stages, with an agreement expected soon.

Porto have had a remarkable season under manager Farioli, starting the league with seven consecutive wins and leading second-placed Benfica by 5 points in the standings.

Despite Porto's home defeat to Manchester City in their opening Champions League match, the team still hopes to bolster their defense with experienced veterans. Chris Smalling himself is also eager to extend his 19-year professional career.

Smalling's football career began in Maidstone United, an English non-professional league. Thanks to his outstanding physical qualities and defensive performance, he played for Fulham, Manchester United and Roma in Serie A, and made 31 appearances for the England national team.

During his ten years at Manchester United, Smalling won five major trophies, including two Premier League titles, and became a key player in the defense. After moving to Roma, he experienced a resurgence under Mourinho, winning the inaugural UEFA Champions League title. Smalling has stated that Mourinho's trust instilled in him the right mentality for any on-field challenge.

Looking back on his journey from amateur leagues to the top level, Smalling admitted that he didn't even consider playing professionally as a fourth option at the time, as he had already graduated high school and was preparing to play for an amateur team. Now, the experienced English center-back is waiting to finalize the signing details with Porto and return to Europe's top stage.

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