Roma Coach Still Views Chris Smalling As Priority

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Roma Coach Still Views Chris Smalling As Priority

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling continues to remain a priority for Roma despite their interest in Hellas Verona’s Marash Kumbulla.

The negotiations between Manchester United and Roma have hit a brick wall over Smalling’s proposed move back to Italy in the ongoing transfer window.

There were suggestions that the two clubs were close to reaching an agreement for the defender’s move to Roma and a deal was expected to be done.

Bur Manchester United and Roma called off their talks on Monday, with the Serie A giants concentrating their efforts on signing Kumbulla from Hellas Verona.

But according to Italian broadcaster Sportitalia, Smalling is still Roma’s defensive priority for the ongoing transfer window.

Paulo Fonseca made him the centrepiece of his defence last season during the defender’s loan spell and the Roma coach wants him back

Roma do have an interest in Kumbulla but the club’s priority is still to bring Smalling back to the Stadio Olimpico.

Fonseca would prefer to sign the Hellas Verona defender along with Smalling, but the Manchester United centre-back remains his first choice.

It remains to be seen whether Manchester United and Roma look to resume talks over a deal in the coming days.

Smalling has been training away from the Manchester United first team in anticipation of joining Roma.