‘More than a few positive feelings’ – Manchester United exit expected by the weekend

Optimism has broken out again in Rome regarding Chris Smalling.

Not for the first time this year it’s thought a permanent deal for the defender is on the verge of being agreed. AS Roma took Smalling on loan from Manchester United last season, and he impressed enough for them to want to keep him longer.

Roma have been trying to drag Manchester United’s asking price, initially put at around €18-22m, down for months, and it would appear the two clubs are close to agreeing.

Gazzetta dello Sport reports there’s ‘more than a few positive feelings’ and the Premier League club not requiring Smalling to train with the squad is seen as a sure sign of an imminent move.

According to Gazzetta, Roma are staying firm on their offer of €12m plus bonuses. Elsewhere it’s been reported the move could happen via a loan, with a compulsory purchase option next summer.

Regardless of how the deal is built, the Italian newspaper state the ‘go-ahead’ is expected by the weekend.