AS Roma Already Trying To Make Chris Smalling Loan Deal Permanent

Manchester United roster woes remain to be solved. The Red Devils had attempted clearance of deadwood in the summer, although even that has been viewed critically, particularly the loan and sale of Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku.

However, the loaning out of Chris Smalling amongst other players was viewed favorably, particularly given the sheer number of bench-warmers at the side.

Further still, the club’s desire to promote youth talent has now ensured that a plethora of defensive options are open to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the moment.

Now, there may be fresh activity with regard to the same.

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According to the Corriere Dello Sport (via SportWitness), Manchester United and AS Roma may be in talks with regard to the future of Chris Smalling. Specifically, the report suggests that both Franco Baldini and Gianluca Petrachi have ‘communicated’ to the Old Trafford outfit that they would like to make the English defender’s move a permanent one.

It is understood that Roma will explore this possibility and will have to convince United to shift as the initial loan move may not have had an automatic ‘purchase upon expiry’ clause.

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In particular, the report stresses that the defender’s promising performances have inspired this desire on part of the Serie A club. This solution to their defensive woes will certainly come as positive progress that they’ll wish to sustain.

However, a need to open ‘fresh talks’ to substantiate this deal will certainly be required, particularly due to the lack of the aforementioned clause.

Further, there is no clear cut need for Smalling back in Manchester, which makes this a smart move for all parties. While numbers in quality is still a question at the club, the promising growth of Axel Tuanzebe remains a brilliant avenue in the near future. Either way, bringing back Smalling is unlikely to inject the requisite quality into the squad.

Should Smalling stay in Italy?