Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has been impressive during his time in Rome with Paulo Fonseca is desperately hoping to keep him for long.
The Roma coach says the club are willing to do everything within their means to sign Chris Smalling permanently.
Life in Italy has treated the 30-year-old very well and his performances has convinced the Serie A club to make a purchase. Though they are yet to come to an agreement with his parent club, Roma are hopeful that a deal to make the transfer permanent will not be a difficult one.
There have been reports that Roma may likely not match the fee the defender could be commanding but are looking to use his desire for more playing as a factor to convince the Red Devils.
“I will do everything I can to keep him at Roma next year too. I know he wants to stay, let’s see what happens,” Fonseca told ESPN on Friday.
“He’s an amazing man, so humble, so professional. He is adored by the fans and established himself as one of the leaders in the dressing room.
“It’s not easy for English central defenders to adapt so quickly to Italian football, the record there isn’t good. But he has been amazing.”
Having missed the opening games, Smalling went on to make 28 appearances in all competitions for Roma before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Arsenal and Everton are also monitoring the situation of the former Fulham player to poach him if he becomes available.
