Transfer Centre

Roma chief reveals desire to sign Chris Smalling

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 30 January 2020

Roma sporting director Gianluca Petrachi says that his club are keen to complete a permanent move for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.

Roma sporting director Gianluca Petrachi has revealed that his club are keen to complete a permanent move for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling at the end of the season.

The 30-year-old joined Roma on loan last summer and has impressed for the Italian outfit this season, scoring twice in 21 appearances in all competitions.

Petrachi has confirmed that the Serie A giants want to sign the 30-year-old this summer and hope to use their strong relationship with United in order to complete a deal.

"There is a chance (Smalling could move permanently)," Petrachi told the Daily Mail. "The player will choose what to do. If he really wishes, we will be happy to have him with us permanently.

"We are very happy with Smalling and he knows it. With Manchester United, the relationship is excellent, we have an excellent feeling with the club."

Smalling, who arrived at Old Trafford from Fulham in the summer of 2010, still has two and a half years left to run on his contract with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.