Roma have hinted that they expect to make Chris Smalling's loan deal from Manchester United permanent this summer.
The 30-year-old has spent the entire 2019-20 campaign with the capital outfit so far, but is currently due to return to his parent club after the Serie A season finishes on August 2.
United are unwilling to consider extending that loan spell even for a further month to enable Smalling to play for Roma in the Europa League, but they are open to a permanent deal for the centre-back.
Roma are also eager to make the move permanent and, despite the two clubs still haggling over a transfer fee, the Italian side have hinted that Smalling will still be at the Stadio Olimpico next season by uploading a picture of him wearing the 2020-21 kit.
🟥 @ChrisSmalling 6⃣
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) July 23, 2020
🟧 @LorePelle7 7⃣
🟨 @EdDzeko 9⃣
🟥 @HenrikhMkh 7⃣7⃣
#ASRoma pic.twitter.com/NGVVejloiS
Smalling has made 34 appearances for Roma across all competitions this season.
Barney Corkhill
