Roma have reportedly decided against making their loan deal for Chris Smalling permanent this summer.
Corriere dello Sport (cited by TeamTalk) claim Roma see a permanent deal for Smalling ‘unthinkable’ and have instead turn their attentions to signing Dejan Lovren from Liverpool.
This comes as a bit of a surprise because Smalling has been excellent for Roma this season, and all reports up until now suggest that they’re very keen for him to stay beyond this season.
But why on earth would they turn to Lovren when Smalling been excellent all season?
READ MORE: Man United issued Raul Jimenez transfer update
Perhaps the knock on affect that the coronavirus will have for clubs financially is already making some think, and Roma no longer feel that they will be able to meet Manchester United’s transfer demands and Lovren would be cheaper.
Moreover, the Red Devils are not under pressure to get rid of Smalling at a low cost. Let’s not forget that earlier this season people were talking about him being the best performing defender in Serie A, so I highly doubt Roma are the only Italian club interested.
Listen to this week’s podcast – Strettycast is also available on iTunes and Spotify.
Along with Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have uncertain futures at Old Trafford.
Rojo is currently on loan at his local club in Argentina, Estudiantes de La Plata, and there’s a good chance he could be playing his football there next season.
As for Jones… Fingers crossed he finds a new home and Solskjaer buys another top centre-back.
Vote for Stretty News!
Stretty News is running in this year’s Football Content Awards at Tottenham’s stadium. Even though the event itself is in doubt after the coronavirus outbreak, you can still cast your vote for the Premier League’s Best Club Content Creator.
You can also vote via Instagram and Twitter — find out how here.
