Pranav Nair
Manchester United standing firm on Chris Smalling valuation
According to the Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Express), AS Roma are ready to look elsewhere following Manchester United’s refusal to reduce the price for Chris Smalling.
The 30-year-old was sent out on loan following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s refusal to guarantee regular first-team football. He has rebuilt his reputation in the Italian capital and is a key member of the Roma squad.
Smalling has made 36 appearances in all competitions. During this time he has scored three goals and two assists. Although Roma are keen to sign him on permanently, United’s asking price has remained a sticking point. (h/t Express)
United want £18m for the player which is more than what Roma are ready to pay. The Red Devils are keen to bolster their transfer kitty to fund a move for Jadon Sancho. (h/t Express)
It appears that the Italians have now lost patience. They are now eyeing former Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen as a cheaper alternative. (h/t Express)
The Belgian veteran is a free agent following the expiry of his contract in North London. Being a free agent, Vertonghen would come in as a much cheaper option than Smalling. (h/t Express)
Despite the disagreement in value, Roma are keen to continue negotiations with United for Smalling. They are ready to pay £13m over a period of three years. (h/t Express)
The Red Devils are not keen to send the player out on loan again. According to the report, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward remains confident that the club will get their asking price.
With Borussia Dortmund demanding £108m for Sancho, every penny we can bring in will matter. Hopefully, Woodward’s assertions will turn right with us getting top dollar for Smalling.
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United qualified for the Champions League after a win over Leicester City on the last day of the season. A number of reinforcements are needed for us to challenge at the top. It remains to be seen who the club manages to bring in.
