Roma 'accelerate talks for Chris Smalling'

Roma are reportedly looking to secure a permanent deal for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling as soon as possible.

Since moving to Stadio Olimpico on a season-long loan deal, Smalling has made 27 starts in all competitions, as well as stating himself that he is open to a longer stay with the Italian giants.

While United are yet to make a decision on the Englishman's future, Calciomercato claims that Roma officials are attempting to negotiate a deal for the end of the campaign.

The Serie A side are said to be €5m (£4.28m) short of United's €20m (£17.12m) valuation, a figure they may only be willing to meet should they qualify for next season's Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with an approach for the 30-year-old, which has seemingly led to Roma's increased efforts to tie up a deal in the coming weeks.

Both clubs may be aided by United allegedly needing to make sales to help fund their own plans for new signings later in 2020.