Chris Smalling spent last season on loan at Roma and talks are ongoing over a permanent return to Italy for the defender.
Roma boss Paulo Fonseca told his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Verona that expects an update on the situation in the coming days.
Apparently, he has been in contact with Smalling and says the Englishman told him he wants to sign for him.
As per Roma’s English language Twitter account, Fonseca said: “I am in regular contact with Chris Smalling, I spoke to him yesterday.
“He wants to come back to Roma and we want to have him back. I think that there could be an update over the next few days.”
“It’s not an easy transfer window. Along with the CEO and the chairman we are working hard to find the best options for the squad. There are a few areas we still need to address but I am happy with the work we are doing.”
In truth, it’s not too clear what the hold up is.
Smalling impressed at Roma last season and clearly wants to go back there.
United desperately need to trim their bloated squad, cut the wage bill and bring in transfer fees which can be used for new recruits.
In a window where there has been precious little interest in other outcasts in the squad, getting the deal for Smalling done is important to balance the books.
Are United really haggling over a few million pounds for a player who clearly has no future at the club and wants to go?
The stalling over Smalling is typical of the transfer inertia which reigns at Old Trafford.
All the elements are in place to do a deal and yet it hasn’t been concluded.
Hopefully Fonseca is right and there is movement in the coming days, giving both clubs and the player greater clarity over what is going on.
How much could United raise in player sales?
- Marcos Rojo
£10 million. The problem is his wages of £160,000 per week.
- Chris Smalling
£20 million. Loan club Roma could yet come back in for him.
- Jesse Lingard
£20 million. No offers so far.
- Phil Jones
£10 million. His recent injury makes him hard to shift.
- Diogo Dalot
£10-20 million. United may be tempted to keep him unless we recoup the £19 million we paid.
- Andreas Pereira
£15 million. Pereira would likely be sold abroad.
- Sergio Romero
£10-15 million. It would be hard to stand in Romero’s way if he wanted out.
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