AS Roma would dearly like to keep Chris Smalling at the club beyond the end of this season. The defender has impressed since leaving Manchester United on loan, and managed to shine in Serie A.
Initially, the Premier League club had wanted a straight permanent transfer in the next window, whereas Roma would have preferred another season with the player on loan.
Subsequently, Manchester United had been waiting for ‘better offers’ from elsewhere, however, it doesn’t appear those have arrived.
Further talks between the two clubs have managed to find the outline of a compromise deal, report Corriere dello Sport. Roma would get their loan, but there’s be a clause making them sign Smalling on a permanent basis in 2022.
Negotiations are now ‘very advanced’ and the two clubs need to agree on how the clause works (whether there’s a caveat about European qualification, appearances, that kind of 
things) and, of course, the amount.
Should it all fall to pieces, Roma have lined up other options such as Jan Vertonghen.
