Roma are 'optimistic' about keeping Chris Smalling at the Stadio Olimpico after offering Manchester United another loan deal with the option to buy.
Smalling joined the Italian outfit at the start of the season from Manchester United and has impressed with a series of notable performances at the heart of Roma's back four.
While he has clearly done enough to convince the club to sign him, Roma's financial situation means they were unable to reach United's £20million valuation of the defender and have instead proposed another season-long loan for £3m with a £13m obligation to buy next summer.