Football transfer rumours: Chris Smalling to sign $16 m deal with Roma

Italian club AS Roma are reportedly ready to pay $16 million for defender Chris Smalling. player was loaned out by Manchester United for one year and is tied with United by a contract running until 2022.

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Out of favour at United

Smalling made over 300 appearances for United after being signed from Fulham in 2010, helping Red Devils win two Premier League titles, Europa League and an FA Cup title. centre-back was deemed surplus to requirements by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in summer of 2019. Smalling had fallen behind Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof in pecking order at Old Trafford and was battling with Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe to be third-choice centre-back before going out on loan. However, player has put up consistent performances, cementing his place in Roma starting 11. Impressed with his performances, Roma manment looks to make things work with English international. y are ready to purchase player out-right and would reportedly offer a five-year contract too.

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Roma have kept three clean sheets in his first seven games in Serie A. player has won every tackle he has attempted so far, and has ensured that player mans to successfully dribble past him. Smalling was exceptional against Napoli, marked by a successful attempt to clear ball on goal line, compelling some United fans to comment against team's decision to allow him to leave club in summer.

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Or Italian clubs have also targeted him

Or Italian clubs like AC Milan and Inter Milan have reportedly made attempts to hijack Roma’s permanent move for Smalling. It will be interesting to see if United are ready to part ways with ir defender, or Smalling returns to Old Trafford for next season.

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