Chris Smalling 'heading back to Manchester United'

On-loan centre-back Chris Smalling will reportedly return to Manchester United this summer.

The Englishman has impressed for Roma during the 2019-20 campaign, scoring twice in 28 appearances for the Italian outfit, who have made no secret of their desire to sign him on a permanent deal.

The 30-year-old is allegedly keen to remain in Rome on a long-term basis, but according to The Sun, Smalling is heading back to Old Trafford ahead of the 2020-21 season.

The report claims that Roma 'are in financial difficulty' due to the coronavirus outbreak, making it almost impossible for the Italian outfit to afford to pay £25m for Smalling this summer.

The former non-league defender still has more than two years left to run on his contract at United.

Smalling - capped on 31 occasions by his national side - has also won two Premier League titles during his time with the 20-time English champions, both under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson.