Chris Smalling makes transfer U-turn as former Man Utd star sets out demands to stay at Jose Mourinho’s team
ROMA star Chris Smalling is holding talks for a new contract shortly after handing in a transfer request, reports suggest.
Former Manchester United ace Smalling’s contract at the Olimpico runs out in June but the Giallorossi want him to stay.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the centre-back wants a two-year contract with the exact same salary he currently earns.
Roma initially offered the 33-year-old a one-year extension and have yet to raise their proposal after he laid out his demands.
However, the same report suggests “white smoke” is likely to come out at the end of the negotiations.
This poses as quite a U-turn by Smalling, who attempted to force a move away from Roma in January.
Inter Milan have been named as potential suitors for the former England international.
Inter are facing financial issues and are likely to lose key defenders in the summer, with Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij both out-of-contract.
The Nerazzurri’s manager Simone Inzaghi sees Smalling as the perfect replacement after a series of impressive performances under Jose Mourinho.
The defender joined Roma in 2019 initially on loan from United and earned a permanent contract a year later.
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Smalling has since amassed a total of 10 goals and five assists in 131 appearances.
The Londoner was also key in Roma’s Europa Conference League triumph last year.
The ex-Fulham ace is still a prolific figure in Mourinho’s team with three goals and one assist in 35 appearances across all competitions this season.