'We want to have him back' - Roma boss hopeful of signing Smalling

Paulo Fonseca reveals he has been in regular contact with Chris Smalling and that there could be a development in the transfer soon.

Chris Smalling became an instant hit at AS Roma after joining them on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United last term.

Smalling fell further down the pecking order in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad following the arrival of Harry Maguire, who became the most expensive defender after joining Man United in a transfer worth upwards of €80 million.

Impressed with him, Roma are eager to land the 30-year old England international on a permanent transfer. Talks have been ongoing between the two clubs but they are yet to reach an agreement over a transfer fee.

The center-back has been training separately from the rest of his Man United teammates amid question marks over his future.

Roma have not hesitated to confess about their interest in Smalling in the past, and manager Paulo Fonseca recently insisted that they are working to seal his transfer.

“I am in regular contact with Chris Smalling, I spoke to him yesterday. He wants to come back to Roma and we want to have him back. I think that there could be an update over the next few days,” Fonseca said in a press conference, as per MEN.

“It’s not an easy transfer window. Along with the CEO and the chairman we are working hard to find the best options for the squad.

“There are a few areas we still need to address but I am happy with the work we are doing.”