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Having failed to convince Manchester United to sell them Chris Smalling, AS Roma had to resign themselves to letting the centre-back return to England.

The player himself did so heavy heartedly, having enjoyed his time in Italy and wanting to keep his good form by staying for the foreseeable future.

He might still be able to return now that Dan Friedkin has bought the club from James Pallotta, but another club in Serie A have now taken interest: Inter.

However, they would only make a move for the United player if they were to sell Milan Škriniar, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who has fallen out of favour under Antonio Conte.

The Slovakian defender would ideally be sold for a decent pile of cash, much more than what Smalling would cost at €20m, meaning the asking price from the Red Devils ‘doesn’t scare’ Inter like it does AS Roma.

It’s good news and bad news for Paulo Fonseca, since there’ll be no transfer before Škriniar leaves, but if someone like Tottenham come knocking trying to replace Jan Vertonghen, then things might start moving very quickly.