Once again, Chris Smalling exit from Manchester United has ‘stalled’, report Corriere dello Sport on Tuesday.
Last week there were reports which made the move sound imminent, even down to a matter of hours, yet it seems that wasn’t the case or even close to being so.
The Italian newspaper says Roma have moved for Verona’s Marash Kumbulla, due to an ‘inability’ to secure Smalling quickly. Talks with Manchester United have been ongoing for months, and Roma hoped their latest offer, of €11m plus €5m in potential bonuses, would be accepted by the Premier League club.
That doesn’t seem to be the case, and it’s not surprising given €11m guaranteed is a poor return for the 30-year-old.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Manchester United want €20m, but surely they’d accept something close to that figure.
Gazzetta dello Sport back-up the problems in negotiations, however, they say Roma’s offer is worth €12m.
Should Roma complete Kumbulla’s signing, it doesn’t mean they’ve completely given up on Smalling, and could still try to reach an agreement for the defender.
