90min

Talks Between Man Utd & Roma Stall Over Chris Smalling Deal

By James Cormack

Chris Smalling is keen on a return to Roma
Chris Smalling is keen on a return to Roma / Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
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Negotiations between Roma and Manchester United have stalled regarding a deal for defender Chris Smalling, with the clubs still €5m apart in their valuations.

The Englishman shone for the Giallorossi in Serie A last term as he struck up a fine relationship with Gianluca Mancini at the heart of Paulo Fonseca's defence, and he was expected to complete a permanent move to the club this summer.

Smalling shone under the tutelage of Paulo Fonseca
Smalling shone under the tutelage of Paulo Fonseca / Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images

However, a deal is yet to be struck, and with Monday's transfer deadline fast approaching a growing sense of pessimism is building in the Roma camp.

John Solano, journalist for Roma Press, reports that the Italian club are incredibly frustrated over the Smalling talks, with one club source describing the entire ordeal as 'embarrassing'.

The two clubs met on Friday with the presence of an intermediary, Jozo Palac, in an attempt to wrap up a deal but the talks didn't conclude positively.

Roma have offered €15m for the 30-year-old's services, but United are still holding out for €20m.

United are still demanding €20m for the Englishman's services
United are still demanding €20m for the Englishman's services / Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Thus, with such a minor disparity in valuations, there's still hope that both parties can reach an agreement before Monday. Smalling himself is said to be pushing for a return to Rome after excelling under Fonseca last term.

However, Sky Sports Italy (via Roma Press) understands that United won't lower their €20m valuation but talks are set to continue between the two clubs.

As of this moment, Roma do not have any alternatives to the Englishman. Although, they've already bolstered their defensive ranks this summer by adding talented Verona centre-back Marash Kumbulla.

Roma new-boy Marash Kumbulla
Roma new-boy Marash Kumbulla / DeFodi Images/Getty Images

The Giallorossi, though, have started their 2020/21 campaign in rather indifferent fashion. A 0-0 stalemate at Verona on matchday one became a 3-0 defeat due to an unforgivable selection error, before they dropped two points against a ten-man Juventus last weekend.

Fonseca's side travel to Udinese on Sunday night looking to kickstart their season and hopefully, by then, they would've made a breakthrough in the Smalling negotiations.