AS Roma working on Chris Smalling contract extension amid Inter Milan interest | OneFootball

AS Roma are reportedly looking to extend the contract of Chris Smalling to fend off interest from fellow Serie A giants Inter Milan.

The English defender’s current deal expires in 2023. He has an extension clause that can be triggered when he plays 50% of the games this season.

However, the clause is unilateral, and the final decision to extend the contract rests with the player.

Roma are happy with Smalling’s impact at Stadio Olimpico in recent seasons, and they cite him as integral to their future.

Since leaving Manchester United in 2019, the 33-year-old has made 117 appearances in all competitions for the Italian capital club.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Giallorossi general manager Tiago Pinto is eager to extend Smalling’s stay and has tabled a two-year offer.

The English centre-back has caught the attention of Inter, who are scouring the market for defensive reinforcements.

The Nerazzurri have been working on the renewal of Milan Skriniar for a while, and they are reportedly close to getting it done.

They also want to bring in a top-class centre-back, with Smalling, Leicester City’s Caglar Soyuncu and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Evan Ndicka amongst the reported targets.

Roma are also probing the market for reinforcements, having already secured the signature of Ola Solbakken from Bodo Glimt, who will join in January.

Manager Jose Mourinho is keen on Barcelona forward Memphis Depay, who is up for sale in January.

The Catalan giants have deemed the Dutch attacker surplus to requirements and are willing to part ways with him for a meagre transfer fee.

Giallorossi are seventh in Serie A and will face Bologna when the club football resumes after the World Cup.