Much like Inter for Alexis Sánchez, AS Roma are currently in a race against the clock to secure the services of Chris Smalling beyond their current small loan extensions.
The Serie A side are desperate to have their experienced defender for the upcoming Europa League fixtures, but Manchester United are currently standing in their way.
Corriere dello Sport have an article on the matter, explaining that AS Roma currently have ‘six days to find €6m’, and ‘there doesn’t seem to be another way’.
So far, the Serie A side have ‘practically tried everything’, from a dry loan with a view to buy in 2021 to a paid loan of €3m with a promise to buy him after 10 months at €12m, which was upped to €13m and finally €15m.
Unfortunately, none of this has convinced Ed Woodward at Manchester United, who want €21m for their player and would, at a push, accept €20m.
All in all, Roma have until Monday to sort something out, which is when they have to turn in the list of players they can use in the Europa League for the next few games.
If not, Smalling returns to Carrington and he doesn’t get to play anymore football until September.
