Roma have made a breakthrough in their bid to sign Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, according to reports.

The defender has rejuvenated his career during a successful loan spell this season and is thought to be keen to remain with the Serie A side on a permanent basis.

And reports from Tele Radio Stereo (via Football Italia) in Italy claim they have reached an agreement with his parent club.

The deal would see Smalling return on loan for the 2020-2021 campaign with Roma having an obligation to buy him for £15-16million.

The club would effectively ‘buy’ the 30-year-old at the end of the current season but the payment would be spread out over two years.

United had been looking at a fee of £22million but appear to have lowered their asking price.

Smalling has made a total of 28 appearances for the Italian side this season and has helped the club achieve nine clean sheets as well as scoring two goals.

The defender last played a competitive fixture for United in the final game of the 2018-2019 season – a 2-0 home defeat to already relegated Cardiff.

Roma are also linked with a move for Tottenham’s Jan Vertognhen who is set to leave the club after eight years in London.

source:- allfootballapp