Manchester United defender Chris Smalling close to joining Roma

Roma have reportedly want to sign Manchester United defender Chris Smalling on a season-long loan deal. The centre-back has spent the last nine seasons at Old Trafford. He made 281 starts and 42 substitute appearances in all competitions. Given the options available to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Sky in Italy claim that United have given the green light for Smalling to spend the campaign at Stadio Olimpico. The report adds that Roma will pay a £2.7m loan fee.

Manchester City have spent £1.5bn on players in 10 years to top transfer money table