Chris Smalling continues to be at the centre of a transfer saga involving Manchester United and AS Roma.
The defender spent last season on loan at the Serie A club and impressed enough to make them want to keep him permanently. Will has been there on all sides to get a deal done, with Smalling open to returning to Rome, Manchester United open to a sale, and Roma wanting to get a deal done.
Still, disagreement on price has continued. Every time there’s been a claim of the move being imminent, there’s soon been other claims making it clear there’s nothing defined, and that’s been the case with various reports this week.
Louis van Gaal has been speaking to TMW, and given he’s worked with the defender before, he was asked for his opinion on the player.
The former Manchester United manager said: “I worked with him, I can judge him. Great man, great professional. When he wasn’t injured he always played.”
Van Gaal was also asked about Memphis Depay, who he signed for Manchester United, potentially moving to Barcelona this summer, after claims of an agreement on personal terms.
On whether the player can succeed at the Camp Nou, Van Gaal said: “There’s always a question mark. Depay is an interesting player, especially when he’s free to play. But we have to consider adapting to a new culture and a new team. And the first year is always the hardest. Look at De Ligt, or Frenkie de Jong. Depay has talent, but he’s not Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.”
