Roma all set to extend Smalling loan with purchase option

AS Roma is rumoured to extend Smalling's loan for another season with an option to buy permanently.  

Chris Smalling joined Roma earlier this season on a year long loan after being out of favour at Manchester United. This move though, has worked out for the former Fulham man, as he has been ever present in Roma's starting XI. Both Smalling and Roma are keen to extend this relationship, but United are playing hardball. United are demanding €25m (£22m) for Smalling, while Roma are only willing to pay €14m (£12.5m) and thus both parties are far apart in thier valuation of the player. But with Smalling's loan expiring next month before the resumption of the Europa League, Roma's realistic hope of making it to the Champions League next season, Roma are keen to strike a deal.

Italian transfer expert Alferdo Pedulla has claimed a deal is close to being agreed with just a few details to iron out. He wrote on his website," We are now there, only the last bureaucratic steps are missing: there have been two meetings in the last week and continuous contacts, practically non-stop. The last formal steps are missing, but this is an operation with a redemption obligation and related payments in three installments:  three million [ £2.7m] for the interest bearing loan, 17 [£15.25m] for the redemption.

" Manchester United have accepted, now all that remains is to define the final details, with the total will of Smalling."

Of course, it's pretty clear from Smalling's body language that he wants to extend his stay in Rome. He's settled in the club and is in love with the city. No one thought Smalling would turn out be a success at Roma, but there he is, one of the best defenders in the Serie A this season. But Smalling, for United remains a deadwood and should be moved on. We are well stocked in central defense and all are pretty much performing well and so he won't be missed. It's good for United that Smalling found form at Roma which made it easier for them to sell him. I hope Smalling moves to Roma permanently, which would be good for all the parties. Best of luck and continue to be a hard rock in the Serie A. Hope to see you in Europa League, Chris!

GGMU

Cheers,

Arbab