Inter Milan are ready to rival AS Roma and raid Manchester United for Red Devils defender Chris Smalling this summer, reports say.
The 31-cap England international spent the past season on loan at the Stadio Olimpico, where he impressed Roma boss Paulo Foncesca despite falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Recent reports revealed Smalling is willing to sit and wait for his parent club to decide his fate before considering the next stage of his career.
And it appears the centre-back may not have to wait too long, as he has attracted attention from Serie A giants Inter, Juventus and Roma.
According to Sportmediaset, as cited by Sport Witness, Antonio Conte’s side are keen to steal a march on their close rivals by matching Man United’s asking price for the former Fulham man.
Ed Woodward slapped a €25m (£22m) price-tag on his head, as the Premier League side were well aware there would be interest from overseas, and the club look certain to reap the rewards.
Who should Man Utd sell?
Chris Smalling
Phil Jones
Jesse Lingard
It is understood that Conte believes that Smalling’s experience and desire could play a key part in mounting a successful title challenge next season.
The English veteran started 29 games in Serie A last term, scoring three goals, supplying two assists, registering 1.9 interceptions and a staggering 4 clearances on average per game (via WhoScored).
Former Red Devils Romelu Lukaku, Ashley Young and Alexis Sanchez have all swapped Old Trafford for the San Siro in the past year, and Smalling may be about to follow suit.
A player who was once deemed Rio Ferdinand’s heir is now considered surplus to requirements by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and cashing in on the Englishman while they still can seems to be a sensible decision by the board.
For whatever reason, it has never quite worked out for him at the Theatre of Dreams, as he was often criticised by Jose Mourinho for failing to play through the pain barrier for the team.
Despite his age, Smalling showed he is still a quality defender during his loan spell, and Conte may be the man to get the best out of him, as he worked miracles with David Luiz during his time in charge of Chelsea.
United fans, do you think Woodward should sell Smalling this summer? Let us know down below!
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