Inter eye Manchester United defender

 

Inter are interested in signing Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling following his successful loan spell at Roma, claims Italian outlet Mediaset.

 

Smalling was a revelation for Roma during his season long-loan deal after being deemed surplus to requirements by United head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 12 months ago.

 

Despite hinting at a first-team role for Smalling next season, Solskjaer has not ruled out a permanent sale for the England international in order to top up his transfer kitty.

 

Roma cannot afford to sign Smalling on a long-term deal and now risk missing out on the 30-year-old to Serie A rivals Inter.

 

With one of Diego Godin or Milan Skriniar set to leave Inter, Antonio Conte is on the market for a new centre-back.

 

Inter have already been priced out of a deal for Fiorentina's Nikola Milenkovic and have now earmarked Smalling as a potential target.

 

United are reportedly holding out for in the region of £18m for Smalling, whereas Fiorentina quoted Inter £36m for Milenkovic.

 

 

Inter have a good relationship with United having signed Ashley Young, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez from them in the past 12 months.

 

Smalling finished the 2019/20 Serie A campaign as the second top-rated centre-back in the division (7.00 rating).