ROMA are readying one last move for Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling, according to reports.
The ex-England international was a hit last season on loan in the Italian capital.
Smalling made 37 appearances on loan at RomaCredit: Alamy Live News
But having been unable to come to an agreement that would have extended his stay even for the resumed Europa League last month, Roma are now refusing to match the Red Devils’ £18million valuation.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma’s final offer will be a £1.8m loan, with an obligation to buy for £12m and a further £900k in 2022.
Club chiefs are readying themselves to be turned down, however, especially after manager Paulo Fonseca angered United bosses by admitting that he was in regular contact with Smalling, 30.
The Roma boss said: “I am confident Chris will return to Rome.
“We are working on Smalling. I am always in contact with him, even yesterday I spoke with him, he wants to come back and we want to have him back.
“I think that in the next few days we could have him back here with us.”
Roma chiefs are now considering backup options, with Galatasaray defender Marcao, 24, and Torino star Armando Izzo, 28, on their wishlist.
Smalling, meanwhile, has been reporting for training at Carrington.
Smalling was one of a number of United stars to head to Italy last yearCredit: Reuters
The United veteran, however, has been arriving earlier than his team-mates and training alone.
Should Roma fail with their final bid, Smalling could be offered another Old Trafford escape route.
SunSport exclusively revealed last week that Inter Milan are eyeing up the 31-cap star as a potential loan signing.
Chris Smalling says he has no regrets about joining Roma
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
