Pranav Nair
Manchester United yet to respond to Roma’s bid for Chris Smalling
According to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Express), Manchester United are yet to respond to Roma’s bid to sign Chris Smalling.
The veteran defender has been at United since 2010. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer signed Harry Maguire summer last summer following which Smalling was loaned out to AS Roma.
It proved to be an inspired decision as the 30-year-old rolled back the years putting up one excellent performance after another.
Both Roma and Smalling are keen to make their partnership permanent. United, meanwhile, are ready to sell the defender provided their asking price is met. (h/t Express)
Both clubs have been involved in negotiations for months without reaching a breakthrough. United, for their part, are keeping firm on their asking price of £18m, an amount Roma are unwilling to pay in a single go. (h/t Express)
As per the report, the Italians are ready to pay £10.5m upfront with the remaining amount in add-ons.
Smalling’s performances have elicited interest from a number of clubs including Atalanta and Inter Milan. The Red Devils were keen on inciting a bidding war for the player whose stock has risen over the last year. (h/t Express)
Smalling however is keen to join Roma, stopping United in their tracks from involving other interested parties.
The Red Devils feel Roma’s offer is an insult and have not even attempted to dignify it with a response. The club will now wait for the Italians to return with a better offer. (h/t Express)
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With less than a month to go before the window closes, time is running out for the clubs to reach an agreement.
It remains to be seen if Roma will return with an offer that United deem acceptable.
