Roma 'ready to increase Chris Smalling bid'

Roma are reportedly ready to make a new offer to sign Manchester United defender Chris Smalling on a permanent basis.

United allowed Smalling to move to Stadio Olimpico on a season-long loan deal during the summer, and the Englishman has responded with a series of impressive performances.

While Roma have no option to push through a full-time transfer, the Italian giants have continually been linked with making a further approach to United.

According to Il Romanista, Roma are prepared to make a bid in the region of £13m for the 30-year-old, who effectively has over three-and-a-half years remaining on his United contract.

Smalling is said to want a deal wrapped up as soon as possible, while it has been claimed that he is undergoing extensive Italian lessons in preparation for a lengthy stay in the capital.