Manchester United defender's agent in talks with Serie A giants

The representative of Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has reportedly opened discussions with AS Roma regarding his client's permanent transfer to the club.

The England international was not assured with regular gametime under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the beginning of the season and that contributed towards him joining Roma on a year-long loan.

Smalling has since proved a success for the Giallorossi where he has started nine league games on the bounce while contributing two goals and the solitary assist.

According to Il Tempo, Smalling's agent has now flown to the Italian capital to find out whether the Giallorossi are interested in signing the centre-back on a permanent basis next summer.

United are said to want a fee of around £18m for the former Fulham youngster, who still has more than three years remaining on his existing deal at the club.

Smalling recently produced a stunning display for the Giallorossi in the 3-0 thumping of Brescia. He opened the scoring for the Serie A outfit and later provided the assist for Gianluca Mancini's goal.