Pranav Nair
Roma close to signing Manchester United star Chris Smalling for £20m
According to The Daily Star (h/t The Express), Roma are confident of signing Manchester United star Chris Smalling this summer.
The Italian giants have made the veteran defender their top target of the summer. The deal that takes him to the Stadio Olimpico will cost £20million.
This money will be used by United to bring in a new defender in what has been a disappointing summer window so far.
The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Roma. His performances saw him enhance his reputation and establish himself as one of the best defenders in the league.
His performances have been enough to convince Roma manager Paulo Fonseca to bring in the 30-year-old on a permanent basis.
Smalling is out of favour at United and is keen to make the move. Doing so will ensure he will play regularly in a team that indeed wants him.
According to the report, Smalling is currently training away from the United first-team squad as he looks to sort out his long-term future.
The United star’s contract at the club runs until 2022. The club is keen to get top dollar from Roma. We have already rejected an initial offer worth £15m and are instead seeking £25m. (h/t The Express)
Roma remain hopeful that an offer of £20m will be enough to convince United.
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The 30-year-old will not be the only defender who could leave United this summer. He could be joined by both Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones, both of who are attracting attention from other clubs. (h/t Express)
United seek to invest the money into a defender. The names on the club’s radar include RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano, Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Milan Skriniar of Inter Milan.
