Roma 'close to Chris Smalling deal'

Roma are reportedly closing in on the permanent signing of Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.

The Englishman was deemed surplus to requirements at United during the summer and was subsequently allowed to join Roma on loan for the 2019-20 campaign.

The 30-year-old has been in impressive form for the Italian side this term, scoring twice in 12 Serie A appearances and putting in a string of strong performances.

Roma team manager Morgan De Sanctis recently revealed that the club wanted to sign the centre-back on a permanent deal.

Smalling is believed to be open to staying in Italy, meanwhile, and according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the two clubs are in advanced talks over a January deal.

The report claims that Roma are prepared to pay £13m upfront for the former non-league defender with a further £2.5m in bonuses, although United are allegedly holding out for closer to £17m.

Nevertheless, it is believed that an agreement could soon be reached, with the player in question set to pen a five-year contract in Rome.

Smalling has made 323 appearances for United since arriving at Old Trafford in 2010.