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.
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.
