Roma make fresh bid to extend Smalling’s loan for another season
Roma have reportedly made a new bid to Manchester United for the services of Chris Smalling, with a loan deal again favoured by the Serie A club.
Centre-back Smalling has impressed for Roma, making 32 appearances in all competitions this season, but is set to return to Old Trafford after Serie A concludes on August 2.
As a result, Roma are looking at an option to take the 30-year-old for another year on loan with an option to buy for £13m (€15m) at the end of next season, according to Football Italia.
The report details that club adviser Franco Baldini has offered a loan fee of £2.5m (€3m) to United for Smalling’s loan next season.
A four-year contract would also be offered to the former England international, should the move be made permanent at the end of the 2020-21 season.
United, however, are holding out for a permanent fee to closer to the £22m (€25m) mark for a player who has been on their books for ten years now.
As it stands too, United would not give permission for Smalling to stay for the remainder of Roma’s Europa League campaign in mid-August.
Roma have their last-16 encounter against Sevilla on August 5, with the tie taking place over just one leg.
Smalling moved to Old Trafford from Fulham in 2010, after originally making his mark for non-League Maidstone United.
Formerly a regular with the national team, with 31 caps to his name, Smalling has been rejuvenated by his move to Italy, with England boss Gareth Southgate travelling over to take a look at a player he did not select for his 2018 World Cup squad.
Currently, Smalling has a thigh injury and is not expected back to full fitness for at least another week as Roma look to consolidate European football for next season – they’re currently fifth in the table.
