Transfer Centre

Chris Smalling set for Manchester United return?

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 29 April 2020

Chris Smalling set for Man United return?

Roma loanee Chris Smalling will reportedly return to Old Trafford this summer after the Italian outfit were unable to agree a fee with parent club Manchester United.

Chris Smalling is set to return to Manchester United when his loan deal at Roma expires at the end of this season, according to a report.

The 30-year-old has impressed during his loan spell at the Stadio Olimpico so far, and both the player and the club are thought to be keen to make his move permanent this summer.

However, transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio claims that Roma and Manchester United have been unable to come to terms over a transfer fee and that the Italian outfit are unwilling to trigger the option-to-buy clause in his contract until they have fully assessed the financial impact of the coronavirus lockdown.

"Chris Smalling, his situation is on standby. Roma wanted to buy him and they had an option, but they did not find a total agreement with United," Di Marzio told Sky Sports News.

"So, in this moment, Roma do not know how much budget they will have to work with. It is a problem with many clubs in Italy.

"As it stands, Smalling will go back to United and then we will see whether Roma will make an important offer to buy him or not."

Smalling has made 28 appearances for Roma across all competitions this season.