Roma 'discussing permanent Chris Smalling transfer'

Roma are reportedly determined to sign Chris Smalling from Manchester United on a permanent deal.

The 29-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford over the summer and was subsequently allowed to join Roma on loan until the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

The Englishman has made five appearances for the Italian giants this season, playing the full 90 minutes in each of the team's last five matches in all competitions.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Roma are already working on a permanent deal for the centre-back and will soon meet with United in the hope of agreeing terms.

Smalling was left out of United's first three matches of the 2019-20 Premier League season before joining Roma, where he did not feature until the end of September as he settled into life in the capital.

The former non-league defender, who is not in the plans of England boss Gareth Southgate, has made 323 appearances for United in all competitions since arriving from Fulham in 2010.