Chris Smalling 'hands in transfer request at Roma' as Inter Milan loom
Chris Smalling ‘hands in transfer request at Roma’ as the former Man United and England international ‘attempts to force through a January move to Serie A rivals Inter Milan’
- Chris Smalling has reportedly handed in a transfer request at Serie A side Roma
- Smalling is out of contract in the summer but is keen to secure an early exit
- The Englishman is a reported target for Roma’s league rivals Inter Milan
Chris Smalling has reportedly handed in a transfer request to seal a January move away from Roma in a bid to join Serie A rivals Inter Milan.
The former England international has entered the final year of his contract at Roma, having joined from Manchester United in 2019, and appears keen to seal another career transfer.
Smalling is currently running down his Roma contract that will expire in June and has turned down offers of a one-year extension, with the club and player failing to agree on contract length and wage demands.
Chris Smalling has reportedly handed in a transfer request at current club Roma
Roma manager Jose Mourinho would be losing a key part of his defence should Smalling leave
That has left the door open for Inter Milan with Smalling now handing in a transfer request to leave the Italian capital during the current window in an attempt to push through a late move, as reported by Tuttomercatoweb.
Inter boss Simone Inzaghi is eyeing up possible defensive reinforcements with stars Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij out of contract in the summer, with Smalling viewed as a possible alternative.
However, that isn’t until the summer with the centre-back’s apparent determination to leave his current club midway through the season a shock given his status at Roma.
The Englishman’s contract at Roma expires in the summer with the two parties failing to agree in negotiations
Smalling is the subject of interest from Roma’s Serie A rivals Inter Milan
The Englishman has rejuvenated his career in Italy after struggles in Manchester and has cemented his place as one of Jose Mourinho’s key players.
He has become a commanding presence at the heart of a back three for the Champions League hopefuls and helped Roma win the Europa Conference League last season.
The 33-year-old has made 25 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring three goals, including the winner against Inter back in October.
The 33-year-old defender (middle) is keen to join Inter Milan during the January transfer window
Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi regards Smalling as an idea replacement for some of the club’s departing stars
Roma currently sit one position above Inter in the Serie A standings, with the two side’s level on points amongst a crowded table that see’s just three points separate second and sixth.
Should he leave Roma in the final days of the window then it would be a huge blow to Mourinho, however if the club agree to offer him a two-year deal or longer then Smalling could extend his stay.
Source: Read Full Article