Il Tempo journalist Filippo Biafora has reported that Roma have relaunched their attempts to make Chris Smalling’s loan move at Roma a permanent one.

The Giallorossi directors have been moving for weeks to extend Smalling’s stay in Rome once his loan move expires in June. The defender, who turned 30 last month, has communicated to Manchester United his intention to continue his experience at Roma and is pressing for the latest offer presented by the Giallorossi to be accepted.

Roma sporting director Gianluca Petrachi recently tabled a bid of €15 million — which is very close to the €20 million requested by the English club. The Giallorossi already paid €3 million in the summer for a one-year loan and want to ensure they don’t overpay given Smalling‘s age.

Roma are confident a deal will be finalised despite several clubs having approached Smalling’s agents — including Inter and Milan — and expressed their interest after the defender’s superb performances this season.

Smalling is very keen on remaining in the Italian capital and has also received the blessing to stay from his wife, who has fallen in love with the Eternal City.

Petrachi already has a long-term contract ready and waiting for Smalling, who lowered his wages just to join the club in August. Roma will certainly not be able to pay him the same salary as he had in the Premier League, but Smalling will continue to make an effort to ensure his story with the Giallorossi doesn’t end.

John Solano The Editor of RomaPress, John has been covering Italian football as a freelance journalist for over 10 years and has appeared in various publications including ASRoma.com, ESPN, The Liverpool Echo, and more.