Chris Smalling 'wants to stay at Roma'

Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling is reportedly keen to join Roma on a permanent deal.

The Englishman was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford ahead of the 2019-20 campaign and was consequently allowed to join Roma on a season-long loan.

Smalling has excelled for the Italian giants this season, scoring twice in 12 Serie A appearances.

Roma team manager Morgan De Sanctis recently revealed that the club wanted to sign the 30-year-old on a permanent deal either in January or at the end of the campaign.

According to Il Tempo, Smalling is open to remaining in the Italian capital, handing the Serie A outfit a huge boost in their bid to secure a transfer.

Victor Lindelof has been Harry Maguire's preferred partner at the heart of the United backline this season, with Axel Tuanzebe regarded as the first-choice back-up in that area of the field.