Pranav Nair
Paulo Fonseca confident of signing Chris Smalling from Manchester United
According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, AS Roma manager Paulo Fonseca is confident of signing Chris Smalling from Manchester United.
The veteran defender is keen to return to Roma after impressing on loan last season. He established himself as one of the finest defenders in Serie A.
Despite both the player and Roma keen to make the deal permanent, United have dug in their heels regarding their asking price for the player.
With just hours left to go before the window closes, Fonseca is confident Smalling will be a Roma player come the deadline.
He confirmed that the team still needs another centre-back and that the person is Smalling.
Italy has become something of a favoured haunt for United players. Romelu Lukaku moved to Inter Milan last summer and was joined by former skipper Ashley Young last January.
Chilean star Alexis Sanchez too spent last season on loan at the San Siro, before making a permanent move earlier this summer.
Brazilian midfielder Andreas Pereira has joined Lazio on loan while Diogo Dalot looks to do the same at AC Milan.
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Smalling has been at the club for almost a decade. He is amongst the last few players who have won the Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Selling Smalling could also help raise funds for a late punt in the transfer market. United have so far signed Donny van de Beek and are closing in on Edinson Cavani.
It has not been a summer of intent at the Theatre of Dreams.
