Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling could remain with Roma beyond the end of the 2019-20 campaign, according to an agent who worked on the deal.
Smalling left United in the latter stages of the European transfer window to complete a switch to Roma.
The Englishman is due to spend the rest of the 2019-20 campaign with the Italian outfit, at which point the defender is expected to return to Old Trafford.
However, according to Giulio Meozzi, who worked as an intermediary in the move, the 29-year-old could earn a permanent switch to the Serie A side depending on his performances.
"An important transfer. There is a possibility of making a dry loan, with the option to keep for next year and that depends on his performances," Meozzi told TuttoMercatoWeb.
Smalling was on the bench for Roma's 1-1 draw with Lazio in Serie A at the weekend.