According to Corriere dello Sport, AS Roma are very close to keeping Manchester United ace Chris Smalling in the summer, via @utdreport.
The Italian newspaper claims Roma are only ‘one step away’ from signing Smalling on loan, which could become a permanent deal next year.
It seems likely Smalling will leave Old Trafford on loan again for another season and the Italians will be obliged to sign him permanently in 2021.
Although the defender’s first spell in Italy was brought to an abrupt halt as a result of the pandemic, he has still managed to play 20 games in Serie A this season (Transfermarkt).
Roma boss Paulo Foncesca has been impressed by the England international’s work ethic, as he has averaged 2 interceptions per game, completed 4.5 clearances on average, scored 2 goals, and created 1 assist so far (WhoScored).
In comparison, Phil Jones has struggled for form this season and the defender is now in a vulnerable position. It is worth pointing out Smalling has earned a higher WhoScored rating than his teammate at the time of writing.
Who should United sell this summer?
Chris Smalling
Phil Jones
After arriving at the Theatre of Dreams from Fulham for £7.2m in 2010, the 30-year-old has made over 300 appearances for the Red Devils, winning the Premier League twice, the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup. He is currently valued at £14.4m via Transfermarkt.
United initially priced the centre-back at €25m, which equates to £22m, but it appears Ed Woodward has lowered the asking price to somewhere in the region of €12m-€15m.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted he is a fan of the veteran in the past, but Smalling wants to be playing regular football in order to improve his chances of being named in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad, and this is something the club legend cannot guarantee.
Indeed, Solskjaer has frequently used the pairing of captain Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof at the back this season, and it is hard to imagine the Englishman would be given a place in the starting lineup if he returned to Old Trafford.
Naturally, many United fans reacted to the transfer news on social media, with one supporter urging the board to “cash in ASAP,” and another adding “take Jones instead.”
Have a read through the rest of the mixed reactions so far…
Cash in asap!
— Uncle Wilson (@iam_wilsons) June 7, 2020
Why do we always sell our players for peanuts 🙄
— United442b (@united442b) June 8, 2020
Sell him.. We need the money
— Ernest Chinonso (@Noni_mufc) June 7, 2020
I think it’ll be a good move for him tbh. He’s been a fine servant for United ia a good defender as well. It’s clear he wants to stay there so if United & Roma can reach an agreement I wish him all the best & thank him for his contributions
— Chris Silvester (@ChrisSilveste14) June 7, 2020
Mad that smalling is being shipped around whilst Jones and Rojo are still at the club
— Greg Seward (@Gseward) June 8, 2020
Take Jones instead 🤲🏾
— Steve29™🇨🇦🕸 (@WanSZN) June 7, 2020
Pros~ Good deal for the player as he is not a potential starter for mufc. Good way to build a relationship with Roma for future young players that blossom there
Cons~ Smalling is in his prime and could have tested the market for potential buyers with market value of 18m
— Erni (@Erni31230000) June 7, 2020
There’s one gone, now alexis, Jones, Andreas, Lingard and rojo to get out!
— JackNbitz (@jackbutler20011) June 7, 2020
United fans, should the board sell Chris Smalling permanently in the summer? Let us know down below!
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