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.

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...

United fans, should the board sell Chris Smalling permanently in the summer? Let us know down below!