MANCHESTER UNITED face losing centre-back Chris Smalling on a permanent deal after impressing in his loan spell at Roma.
Smalling’s agent has flown out to Italy to begin negotiations to keep the Englishman at the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma want to keep Smalling past his season-long loanCredit: Getty – Contributor
After signing Harry Maguire in the summer, Smalling had found himself surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
The Italian side face competition for the defender with fellow Serie A teams Juventus and Inter Milan also interested in a January move.
It has been reported that United want at least £15million for the defender which is proving to be a stumbling block for Roma after seeing a £13million bid rejected.
According to Corriere della Sera, Roma sporting director Gianluca Petrachi is working to complete a deal as soon as January.
Should the two clubs agree a fee, it could help United in their negotiations to bring Nicolo Zaniolo to Manchester.
According to Il Tempo, Smalling has urged his agent to get the deal done with rumours of a contract until 2024 to be signed. He has made 11 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice as Roma sit fifth in Serie A, 10 points off leaders Juventus.
The 29-year-old cost the Red Devils £12m back in 2010 and made over 300 appearances before being allowed to leave in the summer.
Should Smalling return to Old Trafford, he will find it tough to break into the starting eleven with Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe and Marcos Rojo all fighting it out for selection.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
