Inter Milan To Miss Out On Ex-Man Utd Defender As Jose Mourinho To Stay At Roma | OneFootball

Roma defender Chris Smalling is not likely to join Inter during the summer transfer window.

This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the 33-year-old former Manchester United man is not likely to leave the Giallorossi on a free transfer due to Jose Mourinho’s choice to stay at the club.

Smalling has been on Inter’s radar as a possible free transfer target for the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Englishman’s current contract with the Giallorossi is set to run out at the end of June, and the Nerazzurri have reportedly offered him a contract to join when his deal with the capital club expires.

With Milan Skriniar leaving at the end of the season, and uncertainty around the futures of defenders like Francesco Acerbi, Stefan de Vrij, and Danilo D’Ambrosio, Smalling has been seen as a reliable option.

However, the Roma have also been keen to try and convince Smalling to stay and sign a new contract, as he remains an important player for their project.

Recent reports have suggested that the 33-year-old could be keen to stay in the Italian capital, although his being offered a two-year deal would be key in this respect.

According to the Corriere, former Inter, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester United boss Mourinho staying as coach could also prove to be a key factor.

There has been some doubt about the Portuguese international staying on as coach, but he appears to be definitely inclined towards staying.

The Corriere reports that this could be a big factor in Smalling potentially deciding, as the Englishman is happy with the sporting project at the Stadio Olimpico under Mourinho.

Accordingly, Mourinho deciding to stay looks to be key to convincing the Englishman to stay, and Inter will miss out.