A Chris Smalling AS Roma transfer felt like an inevitability not too long ago. Well, it looks like Manchester United are remaining firm in regards to their asking price.
Just yesterday, Smalling actually returned to the AON Training Complex for the first time in about a year. He’d undergo a coronavirus test, though his long-term future still remains up in the air.
All had gone pretty quiet in regards to a permanent Smalling switch to the Serie A. Now, a combination of both Corriere dello Sport and Gazzetta dello Sport‘s (Tuesday print editions) have offered us another update. Thanks to the brilliant Sport Witness for the translation.
Apparently, United continue to be stubborn about their £18m asking price for Smalling, while AS Roma’s initial offer is somewhere in the £12-13m mark.
The Englishman’s plan is clear. He wants to make his switch to AS Roma, and has already rejected offers from other Premier League clubs as he waits for the Italian outfit to make their move.
Smalling, who currently earns £70k-a-week (Wage indicator), is apparently ‘pushing’ for the move to happen. There’s also a belief that an agreement ‘halfway’ in between both club’s valuations can be reached and all should be clearer over the next few days.
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Smalling has been inconsistent over the years, though I’d argue he’s been our best defender in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. That said, it seems clear to me that Solskjaer is looking to go in a different direction.
I’d like to think some common ground can be reached as a deal suits everyone involved. United will get a decent fee while saving some space on the wage-bill. Roma, on the other hand, are getting a player who performed excellently for them last year.
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