In demand United defender creates tug of war between Newcastle and Italian clubs
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer won’t have an issue while selling one of his deadwood this summer.
As the second phase of Manchester United’s rebuild begins this summer, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to trim his squad to make space for fresh arrivals. For starters, the Norwegian has his eyes set on Jadon Sancho to embellish his firing frontline of Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood, and Marcus Rashford.
In terms of departure, the United hierarchy would find it tough to attract bidding parties for some of their out of favour superstars, considering the tricky nature of the transfer market in post-COVID times.
But, as the developments suggest, Red Devils would have it easy while moving on one of their experienced defenders, Chris Smalling, who has raised his status after a successful loan spell in the Italian league with AS Roma.
Despite the eagerness of all involved camps to convert Smalling’s loan term at Roma into a permanent stay, lack of consensus between clubs over the transfer fees has meant that English centre-back has returned to Manchester.
Would he make a good signing for the Toon? ⚫️⚪️
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 15, 2020
Regardless of the previous outcome, La Magica are willing to restart the negotiations to land the defensive leader back at Stadio Olimpico. Though, it would not be as easy as before with several clubs now making their presence felt to secure the services of the seasoned campaigner.
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Inter Milan, after deciding to put Milan Skriniar on the market, are eyeing an experienced defender to fit into Antonio Conte’s five-defender system. Enjoying cordial terms with United chiefs, Nerrazzuri counterparts could once again start dialogues to sign a player from the English club. Juventus, too, are keeping tabs on Smalling’s current situation.
Surprisingly, Newcastle United have entered the race to lure the Englishman their way as manager Steve Bruce eyes defensive tweaks. Smalling, having two years left on his current Man United deal, would cost about £20million.
"Smalling leads Bruce’s wanted list this transfer window, having enjoyed a successful spell on loan at Roma last season, where he played 37 times to help them to a fifth-place finish in Serie A.Bruce wants to ‘buy British’ this summer and former England international Smalling clearly fits the profile, although the collapse of the proposed Saudi-led takeover means his transfer funds may be limited. (Sky Sports)"
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Andreas Periera, losing out on his starting spot to Bruno Fernandes, is eager to secure a move away from Old Trafford in search of consistent playing time, against the wishes of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who wants to retain the Brazilian as a backup option.
Chris Smalling’s defensive mates, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo, are also understood to be on the borrowed time with Man United considering fresh acquisitions.