AS Roma urge Chris Smalling to force through permanent transfer
According to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Express), Serie A giants AS Roma are urging Manchester United defender Chris Smalling to push for a permanent transfer, in order to help negotiations move along between the two clubs.
Smalling, who has been at Manchester United for over a decade now, joined Roma on loan last summer after having fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford. The Englishman has been in sublime form in Rome, helping the Giallorossi secure Europa League football for next season.
Smalling’s loan deal runs out this weekend after Roma play their final Serie A game against Juventus. Manchester United have refused to extend the temporary deal beyond that, meaning Smalling will be unavailable for Roma’s Europa League campaign. (h/t Express)
The Serie A giants, though, are hoping to strike an agreement on a permanent deal in order to avoid such a scenario. However, they are unable to meet Manchester United’s £18m valuation of the Englishman.
Roma are unwilling to offer more than £13m for Smalling. And with United not willing to budge from their stance, negotiations have hit an impasse. As a result, they have now asked Smalling himself to step in and push for a transfer, which may help drive down United’s asking price. (h/t Express)
Smalling, reportedly, is intent on joining the Italian capital club on a permanent basis, after having found second wind in his career since making the switch.
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The report adds that Smalling is yet to hold any talks regarding the matter with Roma. The fact that the likes of Inter Milan and Juventus are also lining up with offers may play a role in what he decides.
It is pretty much certain that Smalling will be leaving United in the summer. It remains to be seen, though, if he will return to Roma or move elsewhere.
