MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly ramped up their transfer fee of Chris Smalling to £ m with Spurs, Arsenal and Everton all keen on the defender.
Metro claim that Roma, who are looking to turn the England star’s loan into a permanent deal this summer, are said to be shocked by the Red Devils’ valuation.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are keen. to avoid losing another center-back on the cheap after recouping just £ 6m for Jonny Evans ‘departure in .
The Northern Irishman has starred for Leicester this season, and has also attracted £ 626 m interest from Arsenal and Manchester City in recent years.
Roma meanwhile had hoped to strike a deal for Smalling for less than £ m, yet United are mindful of other clubs keeping tabs on him.
The – year-old is loving life in the Italian capital and h
as made no secret of his desire to end his time at Old Trafford after nine years at the club.
However, the Fulham defender has also been offered a route back into English football with both Spurs and Everton keen on a move.
Arsenal had been listed as another possible destination for Smalling, who has revived his career in Serie A.
The star – dubbed ‘Smalldini’ after his fine form – has even been offered a chance at an England recall by Gareth Southgate.
The Three Lions boss suggested that Smalling’s limitations in playing out from the back meant he was not suited to his blueprint back in 2020.
But the England boss now admits he was “unfair” on Smalling and paved the way for a potential way back into the fold.
Southgate said: “I’ve never ruled anybody out. I think that would be wrong.
“I think I said I probably regretted the way the message came across if, by praising others for certain attributes, there was criticism for Chris. It was my fault and it was unfair on him. ”
Southgate and his assistant Steve Holland flew out to Italy to watch Smalling in action before Christmas.
The England boss added: “I spoke to him when I left him out the squad and explained what I explained to everybody.
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