Il Tempo (Biafora) – The future of Chris Smalling is increasingly tinted with yellow and red. The English central defender has won everyone’s esteem in Trigoria and Roma has taken the first official steps to purchase him outright.
In the past few hours, contacts with Manchester United have resumed following last week’s initial meeting. Petrachi has put forth an opening offer of €10 million knowing full-well he’ll need at least €15 million between the base (€12 million) plus bonuses (€3 million). The Giallorossi are boosted by the will of both the player and his wife, which is to remain in the Italian capital. Therefore, maneuvers have been initiated to try and reach an agreement with the Red Devils, who earned €3 million from Smalling’s loan to Roma in the summer.
Once the issue between the clubs is resolved, the defender’s contract will be discussed. Smalling has agreed to reduce this season’s wages by one and a half million euros. The new agreement is expected to last until 2024 as the Englishman will earn just over €3 million (net) annually.
