AS Roma CEO in London to secure Chris Smalling deal
According to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Mirror), AS Roma CEO Guido Fienga is in the UK to negotiate with Manchester United for the signing of Chris Smalling.
The 30-year-old Smalling spent the 2019/20 campaign on loan at the Serie A club and enjoyed a stellar season. The England international made 37 appearances, scoring three goals and two assists in all competitions. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Smalling has made no secret of his intentions to return to the Italian capital for the upcoming season. However, Roma have been unable to meet Manchester United’s £20m valuation for the Englishman. (h/t Mirror)
However, as per the report, there has been some progress made in negotiations between the two clubs. And now, Roma chief Fienga is in London in order to push through a move for Smalling.
The deal that is being negotiated will see Roma sign Smalling on loan for 2020/21 for a fee, with an obligation to make the transfer permanent next year. (h/t Mirror)
Smalling completed ten years at Manchester United this summer, having signed from Fulham in 2010.
The 30-year-old had been a regular for most of his decade-long stint at the club. But he fell down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following the arrival of Harry Maguire. This led to him joining Roma.
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Apart from the Italian capital club, Inter Milan and Newcastle United are also keen on signing the 30-year-old. (h/t Mirror)
Smalling, though, is intent on signing for Roma and is willing to ‘dig his heels in’, in order to secure his favoured transfer. (h/t Mirror)
