Roma unable to reach agreement with Man United on Smalling

Chris Smalling. The English defender moved to Italian side AS Roma on loan from English side Manchester United. Photo: Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images

According to the latest reports, Roma have been unable to negotiate a deal to extend Chris Smalling’s loan from Manchester United.


Inter are in a similar position with Alexis Sanchez, as both were meant to be on loan until June 30.

Those deals were extended to the end of the Serie A season following the COVID-19 crisis, but Manchester United refused to leave the players past the rescheduled Europa League Round of 16 ties.

Inter will face Getafe and Roma take on Sevilla, but Smalling and Sanchez are not allowed to remain for the Final Eight tournament in Germany.

Some have said this is because Manchester United are also in the Europa League and don’t want to strengthen potential direct rivals for the trophy.

In Italy, there are traditionally no rules barring players from facing their parent clubs, whereas in England they tend to have that written into their contracts.

According to Sky Sport Italia, negotiations between Roma and Manchester United for Smalling are about to break down entirely.

The clubs cannot agree on the valuation of the defender, so it looks as if he’ll be going elsewhere next season.

Inter continue talks for Alexis Sanchez, and are more likely to work out a €20m deal to make the move permanent.