Pranav Nair
Roma and Manchester United close to reaching an agreement for Chris Smalling
According to sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, Roma and Manchester United are close to reaching an agreement for Chris Smalling.
The English defender had impressed during his time on loan at Roma last season. His performances saw him emerge as one of Serie A’s best defenders last season.
While it has been no secret that Roma were keen to sign him permanently, the clubs had been unable to agree on a transfer fee.
The player too is keen on the switch and had been left frustrated by the lack of movement. It would appear that the impasse is now gone, with the Italians tabling a bid of around €16m.
Smalling isn’t the only United defender Roma are keen on. The Italians had earlier enquired about loaning Diogo Dalot only for United to shoot it down.
The Red Devils are keen on selling the Portuguese on a permanent basis rather than a loan.
Having been knocked back in their efforts to land Dalot, Roma also enquired about young starlet Timothy Fosu -Mensah. It is unclear if United are willing to part with him.
The Serie A has proven to be a favourable destination for United players in recent windows. The likes of Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku, and Ashley Young are at Inter Milan with Andreas Pereira joining Lazio as well.
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Selling Smalling could also help raise the funds to bring in Porto left-back Alex Telles. United and Porto are currently some way apart in their valuation of the Brazilian.
With just days to go in the window, time is running out for United to bring in the players they want.
