According to David Ornstein, Roma are close to a permanent deal for Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling. After positive discussions on Wednesday between the two sides, the move looks all set to take place.
Roma Close to Permanent Deal for Chris Smalling
Roma closing in on permanent signing of Chris Smalling from Man Utd. Significant progress Weds – final details need sorting. #MUFC prioritising right winger, left-back process ongoing + a striker may sign if right chance arises @TheAthleticUK #MUFC #ASRoma https://t.co/DkgS6xK5Nr
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) October 1, 2020
A Long Drawn Transfer Saga
Roma seem very close to completing the permanent deal for Chris Smalling. The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at the Italian capital. He impressed the Roma manager Paulo Fonseca and was a fixture in the starting 11. Smalling made 37 appearances in total for the Giallorossi last season. Fonseca has been pushing the Roma management to bring him back and it looks like the Portuguese manager will finally get his man.
The transfer has looked likely to happen for a long time. However, various reasons have prevented the deal from happening so far. Smalling wanted to go back to Roma, Manchester United also wanted to sell and Roma also wanted to buy. The Roma fans also loved Smalling and wanted him back as soon as possible. However, an agreement still could not be reached. The Friedkin group only recently completed the takeover of Roma. The Italian club has been going through a lot of changes which probably hampered this deal. In the end, a win-win situation for all sides looks to have been reached eventually.
Manchester United Keen to Offload
Manchester United currently have a lot of options at centre-back. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Teden Mengi in that position. Hence, their eagerness to sell has always been there. They were just waiting for Roma to make an acceptable offer. Looks like that has finally happened. Now, Manchester United can possibly reinvest the funds in their pursuits for players in other positions.
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