Negotiations to keep Manchester United defender Chris Smalling at Roma are “on the brink of collapse”, claims The Sun.
Roma have been locked in talks over a permanent deal for Smalling, who has spent the season on loan at the Olimpico, making 28 appearances for Paulo Fonseca’s side.
Negotiations to keep Manchester United defender Chris Smalling at Roma are “on the brink of collapse”, claims The Sun.
Roma have been locked in talks over a permanent deal for Smalling, who has spent the season on loan at the Olimpico, making 28 appearances for Paulo Fonseca’s side.
A fee of 28m has been quoted, but The Sun warns the Giallorossi have been thrust into ‘financial difficulty’ by the coronavirus pandemic and can no longer afford the Englishman.
“We know Chris would love to stay and it is a deal which suits all parties at the end of the season,” an unnamed source told the newspaper.
“The financial reality, however, is very different. The people at Roma have many new things to consider.
“Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] had to make a quick decision call to send Chris out on loan last summer because Marcos Rojo’s move to Everton collapsed at a late stage.
“The manager wasn’t surprised how well Chris has performed at Roma and does remain a fan of his.”