Chris Smalling’s AS Roma transfer in jeopardy

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling’s permanent transfer to AS Roma is on the brink of collapse, according to a report from The Sun.

Smalling had switched to Rome on a temporary basis last summer and has enjoyed a stellar season with the Serie A heavyweights, establishing himself as one of the most solid defenders in the Italian top-flight.

Smalling’s form had led to Roma wanting to sign the 30-year-old on a permanent deal, while the Englishman himself was believed to be intent on making the move happen (h/t The Sun).

Talks over a potential £25m deal had been progressing well between United and AS Roma. But the picture has changed since as Roma’s finances have been hit badly due to the coronavirus pandemic (h/t The Sun).

Serie A has been suspended and the matches have been postponed indefinitely, with Italy one of the countries worst hit by the pandemic.

And this has put paid to hopes of the Giallorossi signing Smalling on a permanent deal, unless they are willing to offload some of their star players in the summer (h/t The Sun). A club source told The Sun:

“We know Chris would love to stay and it is a deal which suits all parties at the end of the season. The financial reality, however, is very different. The people at Roma have many new things to consider. ”

The Red Devils are understood to be keen on getting Smalling’s £100,000-a-week wages off the books. However, that could now become difficult, with Roma likely to back out of the deal due to financial issues (h/t The Sun).

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A permanent move to Rome would perfectly suit all parties involved, especially with Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer planning a squad overhaul ahead of the summer window (h/t Mirror).

However, with the likes of Arsenal still interested in Smalling (h/t The Sun), we could see the Englishman move on a permanent basis this summer.