CHRIS SMALLING is set to have plenty of options to extend his Serie A stay with Juventus and Inter Milan joining Roma in wanting the defender.
On loan in the Italian capital, the centre-back has impressed enough to make Roma want to seal his signature permanently.
Roma want to keep Smalling past his season-long loanCredit: Getty – Contributor
Manchester United are said to want £15million for Smalling and have already rejected a bid that fell short of that valuation.
According to Corriere della Sera, Roma sporting director Gianluca Petrachi is working to complete a deal as soon as January.
However they claim Inter and Juventus are circling with intent to disrupt Roma’s bid.
Smalling has found a new lease of life since leaving Old Trafford in the summer.
Earning the nickname ‘Smaldini’ for his defensive heroics, the Englishman – who turns 30 this week – has made ten appearances for Roma.
But defeat last time out at Parma ended his six-game unbeaten streak in Serie A and left the Giallorossi in sixth-place.
Meanwhile, Inter and Juve are the two standout sides competing at the summit of the table.
Antonio Conte may have recently lamented the Biscione’s apparent inability to create a squad capable of competing both domestically and in Europe but they have nonetheless surpassed expectations.
And the coach will get a chance to check out Smalling up close when Roma face his side in two-and-a-half weeks’ time.
Roma officially announce Chris Smalling loan with a list of missing children
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
