Chris Smalling to return to United next summer

Chris Smalling is expected to return to Manchester United next summer. The AS Roma player will approach the end of his loan.

As reported before, the 29-year-old joined Italian Serie A club AS Roma on a loan deal last summer for a new challenge abroad.

It seems to be a smart decision as Smalling has now established himself as a key player in Roma's starting line-up. In fact, Calciomercato reports that the two clubs can already discuss a permanent agreement for Smalling.

There is no doubt that the Englishman has had a positive impact on Paulo Fonseca's squad because they have performed much better since he joined the team. AS Roma really needed a centre-back to replace Kostas Manolas who left last summer.

On the other hand, Red Devils coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is monitoring Chris Smalling's appearance in Italy and has been impressed with his performance. Ole may have a place for him in his plans for the future but after bringing Harry Maguire last summer and considering a number of other defenders like Victor Lindelof , Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe, it might be difficult for Smalling to play regularly.

Time will tell whether his impressive performance in Italy will allow him to get minutes at Old Trafford.