Louis van Gaal 'to block Arsenal's Chris Smalling bid'

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal will rebuff advances from Arsenal to sign defender Chris Smalling in January, according to reports.

Smalling has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, with manager Arsene Wenger apparently willing to sanction a £10m move for the England intenational.

However, the Daily Star claims that the Dutch coach is unwilling to let Smalling leave to a rival for Champions League qualification.

A growing injury list may be behind the decision to keep the former Fulham player at Old Trafford, with Marcos Rojo, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones all sidelined.

Van Gaal could still let the centre-back leave the club, but it unlikely that any deal will happen before the end of the season.