Newcastle United are among a number of Premier League clubs reported to have been offered the chance to sign Chris Smalling from Manchester United.
The English defender spent last season on loan in Italy with Roma, where he has impressed. The Italian side - who finished fifth in Serie A in 2019/20 - were reported to be keen on keeping 30-year-old Smalling for the new season. However, they have stuttered over United's asking price of £20m.
Regardless of Roma making a permanent move, it seems Smalling won't be staying in Manchester much longer, with United keen to offload their fringe players.
The Red Devils currently have as many as seven first-team centre backs on their books, with Smalling way down the pecking order behind preferred pairing in Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf.
According to the Chronicle, Smalling has been offered to a number of Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, following the end of his loan spell in Italy.
Newly promoted Fulham are also said to be interested in re-signing their former player.
Smalling played for the west London club between 2008 and 2010, making 13 appearances for the Cottagers, before joining United.
Smalling's wage demands may prove a stumbling block for prospective Premier League suitors. The 31-cap England international is currently on a reported £130,000-a-week. However, the Chronicle's report does suggest that with the right offer, the defender may lower his demands.
Newcastle are considered to be the front-runners for his signature as it stands. The Magpies have five first-team centre-backs at the club currently, but Federico Fernandez, Fabian Schar and Ciaran Clark all only have 12 months left on their current contracts, while Florian Lejeune looks set to leave the club amid transfer interest from Ligue 1. Meanwhile, Jamaal Lascelles is set to miss the start of the new season with an ankle problem.
Source : 90min