Chris Smalling has interest from Premier League sides if he leaves Jose Mourinho and Roma with contract entering final months
Chris Smalling will not be short of admirers if he decides to leave Roma when his contract expires in the summer.
The defender has been linked with a move away from the Serie A side, having done well there since joining in 2019, first on loan before his transfer from Manchester United was made permanent a year later.
talkSPORT’s football correspondent Alex Crook has made it clear there are plenty of options open for the centre-back, 33.
“This is an interesting one, maybe for the summer than for now because he’s into the last few months of his contract," he said.
“There have been some reports that he has asked for a transfer. I have been told very reliably this morning this is NOT the case.
“He is actually negotiating over extending his stay in Rome. If he does become available as a free agent this summer, there are going to be more than one Premier League club who would be interesting in him.
“He has more then rebuilt his reputation after an unhappy end to his Manchester United career. He’s stayed injury free and been a key player for Roma.
“If he is available on a free transfer then they will be queueing up.”
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There have recently been reports that Serie A rivals Inter are also monitoring his situation in the capital and will be looking to make a move once his contract runs out at the end of the season.
Inter don’t have the financial freedom to spend what they’d like and are looking at more free transfers to help their cause, which is why Smalling has emerged as a target in recent times.
Speaking about his player's future, Roma boss Jose Mourinho is hopeful he will stay.
"The point is that he is playing very well, showing concentration and focused on Roma. The situation is wide open for now, I’ve never talked about it with him. My personal feeling is that he wants to stay, I say this because I know.
“The club understands the importance of him. An agreement can be found. I think it’s easier for him to stay than to go away. Roma needs Chris and I don’t see Chris doing better anywhere else than Rome. An agreement will have to be reached.”