Manchester United are only prepared to sell Chris Smalling for the right price but Roma have reportedly asked the player to force through an exit from Old Trafford to help negotiations move along towards an agreement. Smalling has spent the past year out on loan at Roma, earning high praise for his performances in Italy.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was unable to promise Smalling regular first-team football at United, leading to the defender pushing for a loan.

The Red Devils have plans of their own in terms of incomings, with Jadon Sancho the club’s top target.

Borussia Dortmund have so far stood firm on their asking price though and United may need to recoup funds from player sales in order to fund a move for Sancho.

Smalling’s departure would go some way to help secure that, and United have reportedly set an £18million asking price.

Roma are the frontrunners for his signature as they have been hugely impressed by Smalling’s impact since joining on loan.

However, the Italian outfit’s finances have been impacted from the coronavirus pandemic meaning they’ve so far been reluctant to meet United’s demands.

It has been claimed that Roma are only prepared to pay £13m and United are ready to look at other suitors.