Manchester United defender Chris Smalling set to join AS Roma on season-long loan

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling set to join AS Roma on season-long loan, according to Sky sources in Italy. 

Reports suggest the central defender met at United’s headquarters today and is expected to fly out to Rome this evening to undergo a medical and complete the deal worth €3million.

The 29-year-old has struggled for game time since the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and with the arrival of Harry Maguire is expected to see even less minutes on the pitch.

Harry Maguire joined Manchester United from Leicester City this summer.

SkySports report that the two clubs met on Tuesday with the original fee €20million with the option to buy, however that deal has option has been dropped to ensure the deal goes through.

The Serie A club are in the market for an experienced centre-back having failed to bring in Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren, Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld and Juventus’ Daniele Rugani this summer.

Smalling is yet to get any game time for the Red Devils this season and has lost his place in the England Squad in recent times.