The future of Chris Smalling is still up in the air with no confirmed destination yet for the defender. Now reports claim that AS Roma have made an official bid for the player.
Smalling spent the 19/20 in the Italian capital after he was sent on loan, following a couple of under-par seasons at Old Trafford. The 30-year-old impressed at his time in Serie A, making 37 appearances and chipping with three goals and two assists as well. Roma boss Paulo Fonseca was desperate to have the defender back this season, but a tight budget meant the transfer fee was problematic under current circumstances.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left the door open for one of his senior men, after his return from loan. He said, “I think Chris has shown over his career how valuable he is for Man United. This season was about him being a regular, going to Roma, showing and proving how good a center-back he is. Now he’s coming back and Chris has shown this season that he will be valuable. I’ve been speaking to Chris throughout and been delighted with his season.”
There are plenty of interests from the other Premier League (PL) outfits for the English center-back. However, he made it clear that he would not move anywhere without his will. He aims to make a comeback to the national set-up and desires regular football in order to do so. Therefore, a move away from Manchester is the most likely option for him, as he would not be a guaranteed starter for the Red Devils.
Now as per reports in Goal, Roma has submitted a bid of €12 million (£11m) to bring back the defender to Stadio Olimpico. It is believed that the player is valued at around €20 million (£18), but his desire to return to Italy might prove vital.
Smalling had to leave the club prematurely and was upset to have to do so. But he might finally be back to a place where he not only will get regular minutes but also is valued highly.
