Serie A giants to land Manchester United defender?

AS Roma are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Manchester United for the permanent purchase of Chris Smalling.

Smalling spent the previous season on loan with the Giallorossi and he was one of their standout performers over the course of the campaign, where he made 37 appearances.

The England international is said to be eager to make a comeback with the Serie A giants and Sky Sport Italia claims that the Giallorossi are close to finding an agreement with the Red Devils.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have set an asking price of £20m for Smalling, but Roma are optimistic of signing him for an initial £18m fee with additional bonuses.

The Red Devils are keen on landing a new centre-back this summer and the departure of Smalling could provide them additional funds to achieve their objective.

Monaco's Benoit Badiashile has been identified as the prime target, but so far, they have failed to make the breakthrough in the negotiations. Monaco have rejected an opening bid worth £22m.