Roma are expected to make a second bid for Manchester United’s Chris Smalling as they continue their pursuit of the defender, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian club’s initial £11 million offer was rejected by United, who are understood to want at least £18 million for the 30-year old.
Smalling spent last season on loan at Roma and made 30 appearances as the Italian side finished fifth in Serie A.
Roma to Make Second Bid for Manchester United’s Chris Smalling
Chris Smalling to Roma: What Was Said?
After impressing in the Italian capital last season, Roma manager, Paulo Fonseca, is keen to make Smalling a permanent addition to his squad.
He said: “We’re working to get Smalling here. I’m in contact with him and I spoke to him yesterday.
“He wants to be here and we want him here. He could join us in the next few days.”
However, despite Fonseca’s optimism, United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed that Smalling is only for sale for the right price.
“At the moment, we’ve not had any bids up to the level that we want,” he said. “I’m not the one negotiating between the clubs, but we haven’t had sufficient bids there and that’s it.”
At Home in Rome
Smalling arrived at Old Trafford from Fulham in 2010 and enjoyed nine fruitful seasons with the Manchester side, winning full domestic honours and the 2015/16 Europa League.
However, after falling out of favour at United, the England international opted to join Roma on a season-long loan last summer.
The towering centre-back made an immediate impact in Italy, making 37 appearances in all competitions and scoring three goals as Roma secured Europa League football for a second successive season.
Smalling is yet to feature this season and will struggle to find first team football behind Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and even Timothy Fosu-Mensah in the United pecking order.
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