Chris Smalling is set to head back to Manchester United after Roma were unable to negotiate a fee with his parent club over a permanent deal.
The former England defender has spent the season on loan in the Italian capital, with the Serie A side having paid a £2.7million loan fee last summer.
But according to Sky Sport Italia, an increased bid from Roma has still not met the Premier League side’s valuation of £18m and they will ‘give up’ hopes of keeping him, with the centre-back likely head back to Old Trafford having played his last game for the club.
Smalling has otherwise impressed at Roma this term where he has featured 37 times in all competitions, netting three goals.
The 30-year-old is poised to return to the club he joined ten years ago from Fulham but he is unlikely to feature again under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The United boss prefers other defensive options at Old Trafford, and it leaves Smalling’s surplus to requirements despite still having two years left on his current deal.
Smalling helped Paulo Fonseca’s side to a fifth place finish in Serie A but is not expected to feature in the remainder of their Europa League campaign as Roma attempt to secure Champions League football for next term.
They will face Sevilla on Thursday in the last-16 in Germany.
Looking ahead to next season, the Italian outfit could now attempt to lure Jan Vertonghen to the club following his release form Tottenham Hotspur after eight years.
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