Chris Smalling has been, for several months, one of the players expected to leave Manchester United, but that hasn’t happened so far.
The defender spent last season on loan at AS Roma and they are keen on acquiring his services again.
On Wednesday, both Correire dello Sport and SportItalia explained intermediaries involved in the negotiations were in England to try and close the 30-year-old’s exit from Old Trafford.
Calciomercato.it states the Serie A club haven’t given up on the centre-back and the next 24 hours will be ‘very hot’ in their effort to sign him. Paulo Fonseca’s side have submitted a new offer to the Red Devils in the last few hours.
There’s no figures mentioned in the report, but the website suggests the ‘improved proposal’ is closer to €18-20m demanded by United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are set to analyse Roma’s proposal in the next few hours.
Several people are involved in the negotiations, and there will be more clarity on whether the deal will go through or not before the weekend. One of the intermediaries is expected to arrive in Rome on Thursday.
Calciomerctao.com also states Jozo Palac, an intermediary ‘in charge of the operation for the British’, [most likely representing United] will be in Rome today to ‘close the operation’ for Smalling’s return to the Stadio Olimpico.
This new development happened after an intermediary representing Roma presented an improved offer worth €15m plus bonuses. The overall figure is not far from United’s €20m demand, and they now have to decide whether to cash in from Smalling’s sale or retain him.
Calciomerctao are of the belief the latest development could ‘lead to white smoke’ for the former Fulham man’s return to Roma after months of ‘gruelling negotiations’.
