AS Roma have offered Chris Smalling an improved contract to renew his deal amid interest from Everton and West Ham United. He can join in a free transfer at the end of the season.
That is according to Calciomercato.it, which reports Jose Mourinho is keen to see Smalling stay at the Stadio Olimpico. The 33-year-old is now in the final four months of his existing deal with the Serie A side. But sporting director Tiago Pinto is loath to see him go for free.
Pinto opened talks with Smalling’s representatives over a new contract back in October to signal Roma’s intent. The two parties held another summit in January but failed to find an agreement. The centre-back was reluctant to accept the Giallorossi’s two proposed offers.
AS Roma offer Chris Smalling an improved contract to snub all transfer interest
Roma were ready to extend Smalling’s current €3m-a-year (£51k-a/w) contract for another season with an optional further 12 months. Alternatively, he could have signed a two-year contract. But the 31-cap former England centre-half would have had to agree on a pay cut.
Smalling has already expressed his preference would be to stay with Roma past his current contract. But he also accepts his next deal is likely to be his last, so wants to earn as much as possible. Inter Milan are keeping tabs on his situation, as well, to replace Milan Skriniar.
So, Pinto and Mourinho have now moved to offer Smalling an improved contract to stay at Roma. The Stadio Olimpico natives have now tabled a two-year contract worth €5m-a-year (£85k-a/w). But they are still discussing how much of his wage will depend on the bonuses.
Everton and West Ham United are keeping tabs on the defender’s situation
Smalling signed his current contract after joining Roma from Manchester United for £18m in October 2020. He secured his permanent transfer to the Serie A side following a season on loan. The London-born enforcer has gone on to play in 129 games across all competitions.
Everton and West Ham are now among the clubs keeping tabs on Smalling’s situation with Roma in view of a transfer once his contract ends. 90min claims that the Toffees and Irons are rivalling Fulham – who gave the defender his senior breakthrough – and Leicester City.
He spent two seasons with the Cottagers before joining Manchester United in 2010. Now, Everton and West Ham are fighting Fulham to bring Smalling back to England in a Bosman transfer after becoming a cult hero at Roma. He helped them win the Conference League.
Smalling played a leading role under Mourinho as Roma lifted the UEFA title last term. He started in eight of an available 10 ties alongside opening 23 of his 27 Serie A outings. The defender has remained key for Mourinho this season with 33 outings in all competitions.
Mourinho also told Sky Sports of Smalling back in May 2022: “He’s experienced, his know-how and his qualities as a defender are there. Also, tactically, in relation to the system the team plays and the defensive organisation.
“Chris is doing very well this season, playing at a level that makes me really happy about him because he is a fantastic player. He’s recognised in Italy as ‘Smalldini’ – half Smalling, half [Paolo] Maldini. He’s doing amazing for us.”
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