James Featherstone, the agent of Roma’s Chris Smalling has arrived in the Italian capital to conduct negotiations over a potential renewal of the English centre-back’s contract.
The former Manchester United defender’s current deal expires at the end of this season, although retains the option to extend for another year.
Roma, and particularly sporting director Tiago Pinto, are keen to keep Smalling at the Stadio Olimpico for longer than that, but also hope that the 33-year-old can be persuaded to reduce his current salary.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the current offer on the table includes a two-year contract extension with a slight reduction from the €3.5 million per season Smalling currently earns.
Smalling, too, has also expressed his desire to stay in Rome beyond the end of this season, recently telling the press: “I am very confident about my stay at Roma. I have an option to renew for one year, but I hope to stay for more seasons.”
Gazzetta predicts that Featherstone will meet with representatives from Roma in the coming days to discuss Smalling’s future with the club.
Roma are also view the extension of Stephan El Shaarawy’s contract as a top priority before the transfer window opens at the beginning of July.
