Roma ready to throw ‘everything’ at bid to sign Man Utd star

Roma will do all they can to land Chris Smalling from Manchester United this summer, according to reports in Italy.

Smalling is back at United after reaching the end of his loan deal with the Italian giants.

The former England international performed well in Italy, making 37 appearances in all competitions.

Roma were interested in signing the 30-year-old on a permanent deal, but they failed to reach an agreement with Old Trafford representatives.

Since then there have been rumours that there is interest from Newcastle United, along with Everton, West Ham and Fulham.

However, Il Tempo (via Sport Witness) claims that Roma are ready to resurrect their interest. Indeed, the Italian giants are prepared to throw ‘everything’ at a deal for Smalling.

Roma boss Paulo Fonseca is still very keen on bringing the defender back to Italy, with the club’s new owner Dan Friedkin agreeing that it would be a good move for them.

The Serie A outfit’s CEO Guido Fienga is now in charge of talks. He is the one who will be tasked with ‘finalising the negotiations’ with United.

The report adds that a new intermediary has been appointed to help with negotiations. Roma are looking to tie up a deal for €16-17m, which would be their ‘complete expenditure’.

A major bargaining tool at Roma’s disposal is also their knowledge that the player wants to sign. That is a situation which they are ‘strongly’ counting on.

PUNDIT RAISES THREE PAUL POGBA QUESTIONS

Paul Pogba staying at Manchester United is the best scenario for both parties, insists Mark Bosnich.

Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has confirmed that Man Utd will not be selling the midfielder this summer, after he was linked with Juventus and Real Madrid.

In fact, Pogba will sit down for talks over a new contract at Old Trafford. His current deal expires next year, although United have the option to extend it by another 12 months.

It now seems likely that the Frenchman could extend his stay in Manchester even beyond then. And that can only be a positive, says former goalkeeper Bosnich. Read more…