The saying ‘there’s no smoke without fire’ definitely applies in the transfer rumour world, and when it comes to Chris Smalling and a potential permanent move to Roma, the embers have ignited the kindling, spreading like wildfire across Italy.
There was further confirmation of the Serie A side wanting to buy the defender outright from Manchester United after a good start as intermediary Tiziano Pasquali commented on the situation on Monday evening, and now Corriere dello Sport have a new flurry of numbers to throw at us.
They remind everyone that Roma have already spent €3m on Smalling this season for the initial loan, so there’s a reluctance to pay over the odds for the final fee.
Corriere say that future amount will largely depend on the centre-back’s output over the next few months, but the belief is Manchester United will ask for €15-18m.
So far, the first contact between the two clubs saw an offer of €12m + bonuses being made, but that certainly wasn’t enough to sway Ed Woodward and co. just yet.
United are open to a sale because of two things: they want to rejuvenate their squad and even big clubs like tidy profits.
Over at Roma, there is a rule of not spending money on over 27-year-olds, yet they would be happy to make an exception for Smalling, such has been his impact in the early stages of the season.
A four-year contract is ready for him, one that would keep him at the club until the age of 33, and Gianluca Petrachi would consider spending the money even if his side were to miss out on Champions League qualification.
They’re all in on Smalling, and that’s good news for Manchester United.
