Ex-Man Utd star Chris Smalling ‘to SNUB Inter Milan and Juventus transfers to stay with Jose Mourinho at Roma’
CHRIS SMALLING is being targeted by Juventus and Inter Milan but prefers to stay at Roma, reports suggest.
Smalling, 33, has risen to prominence in Italy ever since joining the Giallorossi in 2019 and has turned into one of manager Jose Mourinho‘s most prominent figures in the capital.
However, the ex-Manchester United ace’s deal runs out in June and wants another big contract as he has already reached an advanced age.
According to Sky Sports in Italy, the centre-back has attracted interest from both Inter and Juventus.
Juve are dealing with a crisis after the board was forced to resign over allegations of doctoring wages and inflating player values.
The Bianconeri look set to approach the transfer market in a more conservative manner and focus on free transfers.
Smalling’s agent has also received offers from Inter, who are not satisfied with Francesco Acerbi’s performances at centre-back.
However, the former England international prefers to stay at Roma after enjoying a lot of success under Mourinho, with whom he won the inaugural Europa Conference League last season.
According to Tuttosport, however, the defender is looking for a new contract worth more than his current £3million-a-year deal.
Therefore Smalling would still expect the Romans to match the offers from other clubs to sign a contract extension.
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
The ex-Fulham star joined Roma on loan in 2019 and earned a permanent contract a year later.
He has scored ten goals and provided four assists in 117 appearances.