SEVERAL Premier League sides are reportedly circling for Chris Smalling after the defender’s Roma renaissance.
An impressive loan spell at the Stadio Olimpico has reignited the defender’s career, with the Italians also hoping for more of the Manchester United man.
Chris Smalling is a wanted man but may prefer a second spell in RomeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
As SunSport revealed, the £20million price tag placed on Smalling’s head by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has proved a large obstacle for the Giallorossi.
But Fulham, Newcastle, Everton and West Ham are now all named as interested parties.
Website 90min reckon the English sides have a better chance of forking out the required fee for the 30-year-old.
West Ham and Everton are seeking a rise up the table after disappointing campaigns last time out while Steve Bruce’s Newcastle are adjusting to life after the Saudi-funded takeover of the club collapsed.
A move to newly-promoted Fulham would mean a Craven Cottage return for Smalling, who joined the West London outfit from Maidstone in 2008 before a surprise £12m switch to Manchester.
Roma remain determined to sign their star of last season, who is said to fancy another year in the Italian capital, but they also face competition from Inter Milan.
Should a deal be out of their grasp, the club recently purchased by American billionaire Dan Friedkin will reportedly look to Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Arsenal.
And yet, a sensational second chance at Old Trafford is not out of the question.
With his United career seemingly buried 12 months ago, Smalling has shown his “value” to boss Solskjaer and may get a fresh crack at the first-team.
The manager stated: “I think Chris has shown over his Manchester United career how valuable he is at Manchester United.
“This season was about him being a regular and going to Roma and showing how good a centre-back he is, I wanted to give Harry [Maguire], Victor [Lindelof] and maybe Axel [Tuanzebe] a chance.
“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.”
Chris Smalling says he has no regrets about joining Roma
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
