Inter Will Target Roma Defender Chris Smalling On A Free Transfer Next Summer, Italian Media Report | OneFootball

Inter are hoping to take advantage of Chris Smalling’s expiring contract at Roma to swoop for the centre-back on a free transfer next summer.

As reported in today’s newspaper edition of Tuttosport, the Englishman is approaching the final six months of his deal at the Stadio Olimpico and is yet to pen an extension with the capital club.

With the Nerazzurri in the market for a new central defender due to the increasingly likely departure of Stefan De Vrij at the end of his own contract in the summer, they are monitoring Smalling and are attempting to determine his intentions at Roma.

The former Manchester United centre-back has a clause in his deal that would allow him to trigger a one-year extension should he feature in at least 50% of the Giallorossi’s matches this season, retaining his annual wage of €3.8 million.

Smalling has proven himself to be a hugely popular figure at Roma since arriving on an initial loan in 2019, and has featured in every Serie A match this season under Jose Mourinho.

Should the 33-year-old opt to remain with the Lupi, Inter may instead turn their attention to Torino’s Koffi Djidji.