It appears we might end up with a bit of a break in the Chris Smalling saga, at least for a few months.
That’s what Gazzetta dello Sport are hinting at in their Monday edition, explaining that the Manchester United defender, currently on loan at Roma in Serie A, wants a bit more time to decide on his future.
The newspaper explain the Italians have already tried to sign him permanently twice, first offering €10m before returning with a €15m (which they see as €18m, having already paid €3m for the loan in the first place).
Neither of those met United’s valuation of the Englishman, which they believe stands at €20m, and with Roma refusing to go any higher for the time being, we’re at a bit of a stalemate.
None of this has to do with Roma themselves, as it’s made very clear the relationship between the club and the Manchester United loanee is ‘excellent’; he just doesn’t want to rush anything.
That’s why a decision from all parties is more likely to be made between March and April, at which point the player’s future could be a bit clearer depending on how all teams perform.
Should Manchester United somehow make the Champions League and Roma don’t (or vice versa), then certain options could present better advantages for a player starting to near the back end of his career.
Either way, Paulo Fonseca’s club have asked him to give them ample warning if he decides to leave so they can plan accordingly, which Smalling is said to have happily agreed to.
And now, we wait…
