Italian site CalcioMercato report two of Antonio Conte’s old sides – Inter Milan and Juventus – have joined Tottenham in the race to sign English defender Chris Smalling, with his contract at Jose Mourinho’s Roma due to expire next June.
Smalling, 33, has reinvented his career at Roma after leaving Manchester United initially on loan in the summer of 2019. He joined Roma permanently a year later, and has gone on to clock up 117 appearances in both league and cup.
In that time, the 31-time England star has won the Conference League. Mourinho was even of the opinion that he felt Smalling should be in England’s World Cup squad. He missed out. Now, his long-term future is in doubt at Roma.
CMW claimed earlier this month that Spurs want Smalling on a free transfer. But Spurs are not the only club pursuing a move for the London-born defender. Indeed, Inter have opened talks – while Juventus are also interested in Smalling.
Two of Conte’s old sides join Tottenham in race to sign Smalling on a free
So, where should Smalling go? Realistically, a return to the Premier League with Tottenham would see him play cover to Eric Dier. Yes, he has a chance of overtaking Dier. But, the England World Cup star is certainly ahead of Smalling.
Stay at Roma – or go to Inter or Juventus? The latter two are much more likely to go on and challenge for the Serie A title, and qualify for the Champions League. Inter are likely to lose Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij next summer.
Similarly, Juventus may also be about to wave goodbye to Leonardo Bonucci and Daniele Rugani is constantly being linked with the exit door. Both clubs need Smalling and he would get game time. Staying in Italy is his best move.
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