Italian giants close to sealing deal for Manchester United defender

Serie A giants AS Roma are reportedly close to finding an agreement with Manchester United for the services of Chris Smalling.

The centre-back was loaned out to the Giallorossi at the beginning of the current season and he has proved a quality performer for them in his 28 appearances.

Roma boss Paulo Fonseca has publicly admitted that he would like to keep hold of Smalling next season and Tele Radio Stereo claims that the club are close to agreeing a suitable deal with the Red Devils.

Due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the capital outfit are not in a position to sign the defender permanently but they are still confident of landing the England international.

The club are aiming to sign Smalling on loan for the second season running and this time around, they are willing to include the obligation to buy for £16.3m next summer.

Smalling has been linked with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in recent months, but Roma are clearly in the driving seat to sign the former Fulham graduate.