Manchester United set asking price for defender's sale

Manchester United have reportedly informed Roma that they would need to pay a fee of around £18m in order to sign Chris Smalling on a permanent basis next summer.

The centre-back joined the Giallorossi on a season-long loan from United before the summer transfer deadline and he has since impressed with his 10 appearances for the club.

According to Tuttosport, the Capital outfit are keen to keep the Englishman at the club on a permanent basis and they are set to make the proposal at the end of the season.

However, they won't get the central defender on the cheap with the Red Devils likely to demand at least £18m to part ways with the former Fulham graduate.

Smalling, who has more than three years remaining on his United deal, has completed the full 90 minutes in the last eight league games for the Giallorossi.

He has recently cited that he would prefer to fight for his position at Old Trafford but it is unclear whether Solskjaer has plans of reintegrating into the squad next term.