Manchester United: Phil Jones and Chris Smalling could leave Old Trafford as they are yet to be offered new deals

Manchester United are reportedly in danger of losing defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling as they enter the final year of their contracts at the end of the current campaign.

According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils are yet to open talks with the defenders regarding a new deal and are not in a hurry to tie down the in-form defenders, but will be reluctant to lose them on a free next season.

Jones and Smalling have been at the heart of the United revival, which has seen them win their last five matches, including crucial wins against top four rivals Tottenham and Liverpool with the duo at the heart of the United defence.

They have put in confident performances for the team in recent weeks and the club will hope that the duo can form a formidable partnership for years to come.

However, with their contracts expiring at the end of next season and the club in no hurry to open talks, they could be tempted with bigger offers from rival clubs.

Smalling has been a long-term target for Arsenal and manager Arsene Wenger is a big admirer of the defender, whom he tried signing when he left Fulham in 2010.

The French manager also tried signing the England international last summer, but was denied the opportunity by United boss Louis van Gaal, and reports suggest that the Gunners are monitoring the defender's contract situation and could make a £12m offer again this year.

Apart from the defensive duo, there are various first-team players who are in the similar situation, as David de Gea, Ashley Young and Robin van Persie are also entering the final year of their contracts at the end of the current campaign.