Manchester United have reportedly agreed a deal with AS Roma for Chris Smalling, according to reports in Italy.
The Red Devils recently revealed Smalling is allowed to finish the Serie A season on loan but now it appears they have gone one step further.
According to European football specialist Alfredo Pedulla, as relayed by @utdreport, Smalling will stay at Roma for the 2020/21 season for a reported fee worth €3m (£2.6m) with the obligation to buy him for €17m (£15m) next year.
Smalling has impressed Paulo Foncesca during his time at the Stadio Olimpico, as he has made just under two interceptions per game, completed 4.4 clearances on average, scored two goals and provided one assist so far (WhoScored).
Who should Man United sell?
Alexis Sanchez
Chris Smalling
However, he is considered surplus to requirements by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and is not expected to return to Old Trafford.
Roma’s decision makes the move permanent but will allow them to spread the costs over two years in three instalments.
Solskjaer is a fan of Smalling, but he cannot give him what he wants, as the veteran wants to be playing regularly to stand any chances of making Gareth Southgate’s EURO 2020 squad. Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly are all above him in the pecking order.
Many United fans gushed over the “decent business” as the “great” news emerged on social media, with one fan tweeting he is “deadwood” anyway.
Scroll through some of the glowing reactions so far…
That's a good piece of business by United. Add in the €3m loan fee we got for this season and that is €23m for the defender.
— Man United News (@manutdfanzine) July 10, 2020
20 in total mate. Decent business there
— TBMPT (@BarryMurphyPT) July 10, 2020
20m euros is a great deal for us
— 7habith (@7habith) July 10, 2020
Good deal all round we get decent money for someone who wouldn’t be in our squad, he gets to play football, Roma get to keep one of their best players this year
— Andy Craig (@Andy_Craig1982) July 10, 2020
£18m for smalling is not a bad start to clearing some of the deadwood out
— Clay_Wright (@wrightyboy888) July 10, 2020
Solid defender, happy for him. Now time to make more sales.
— UTD Jack (@UTDlegendary) July 10, 2020
Bye. Thanks for your service, but the time is up.
— crazybaldrunnerguy (@crazybaldrunner) July 10, 2020
United fans, should Ed Woodward sell Chris Smalling this summer? Let us know down below!
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