ROMA are ready to come back in with an offer of £14.5million for Chris Smalling, according to reports.
With the centre-back described as keen to extend his stay in the Italian capital, coach Paulo Fonseca and new Lupi owner Dan Friedkin want to match his ambition.
Chris Smalling has a number of options on the table after a strong spell in RomeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And Roma will therefore “throw everything” they have at a permanent deal for Smalling, according to Italian newspaper Il Tempo via Sport Witness.
SunSport understand that a £20m price tag has been set by United.
With the gap in valuations, Roma are said to be heavily relying on the player’s desire to push through a deal.
A new agent has also been employed to negotiate with the Old Trafford giants.
Smalling excelled in Serie A last season, fondly dubbed ‘Smaldini’ by fans as he reignited his career in 37 appearances.
Should Roma not become a feasible option for next season, a spot in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad is not out of the question.
The Norwegian said earlier in the summer: “It was best for him to go and play for a year in Roma and he has shown he will be valuable, I’ve been speaking to Chris throughout. I’ve been delighted with his season.”
Inter Milan could also offer Smalling a route back to Italy having already plucked Alexis Sanchez, Ashley Young and Romelu Lukaku from United.
A handful of Premier League clubs are reportedly best placed to afford Smalling with Newcastle thought to be leading the way.
After snapping up free agent midfielder Jeff Hendrick, the Toon are monitoring the centre-back’s situation with Everton, Fulham and West Ham for company.
Chris Smalling says he has no regrets about joining Roma
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
