Manchester United loanee Chris Smalling has been performing impressively at Roma but the defender’s permanent transfer to the Italian side looks unlikely after the Red Devils set a huge fee on his head, according to Daily Star.
The England international joined the Giallorossi on loan at the start of the 2019-20 season after remaining with United since 2010.
The 30-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements at the club following the arrival of Harry Maguire in a record deal from Leicester City in the summer transfer window.
It is believed that the Serie A side are interested in making the loan permanent but the Red Devils are demanding a huge £15m price-tag for the Englishman.
According to Calciomercato, Roma may not be able to afford such a big fee if they fail to qualify for Champions League football next season.
Although the Italian side are now in a good position to finish in the top four as they are currently level on points with fourth-placed Atalanta and seven points ahead of Milan.
The club’s sporting director Gianluca Petrachi has already expressed his desire to sign Smalling but he has also insisted that the final call will be in the hands of the player himself.
He recently told the media via the Daily Mail:
“There is a chance.
“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.”
