Roma are continuing to race against the clock to secure a deal for Manchester United’s Chris Smalling but are yet to find an agreement for the defender.
Smalling has spent this season on loan with the Italian side after it was made clear there was no space for him at Old Trafford last summer.
The move has proved to be a smart one, with him establishing himself as a key player under Paulo Fonseca and giving his career a much-needed boost.
Roma are keen to keep him beyond the end of his loan spell, and the player is likewise keen to stay in Rome, but they are yet to agree on an asking price with Manchester United.
Corriere Dello Sport and Sky Sport Italy cover the situation today and explain how Roma are now working to a deadline to secure Smalling for the remainder of their Europa League campaign.
Manchester United are so far refusing to extend his loan stay until they’ve agreed on a deal for next year and so far the intermediaries handling the negotiations have not been able to find a meeting point.
United are reportedly holding out for €21m for a permanent transfer according to Corriere, although Sky Italia have a different take on the matter.
They say there is currently a €3m difference between the two clubs. Roma’s proposal is for an ‘interest-bearing’ loan worth €3m with a right to buy at €12m.
United, though, are asking for a €3m loan and a purchase option at €15m.
Those involved are now working to get a deal done before Monday’s deadline, although according to Sky Italia the ‘endless negotiations’ are yet to give any ‘positive results’.
That is why Roma have a backup plan, with Franco Baldini having an agreement in place with Jan Vertonghen, who has left Tottenham, should they not be able to get a move for Smalling over the line.
