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Chris Smalling Talks Permanent Roma Transfer After Loan from Manchester United

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Chris Smalling has suggested a permanent transfer to AS Roma could materialise after his loan from Manchester United, saying "those discussions can take place" if he ends the season well.

The 30-year-old left Old Trafford on a season-long deal after United signed Harry Maguire from Leicester City for £80 million, his first campaign outside the Theatre of Dreams since he joined from Fulham in 2010.

Smalling's time at the Stadio Olimpico has been a success after establishing his place under Roma manager Paulo Fonceca, and he told BBC Sport's Alistair Magowan he could yet make the permanent switch:

"Yeah, I think the plan at the start of the season was to contribute as much as I can and then hopefully if we've all had a good season and hit our ambitions then those discussions can take place.