According to Fabrizio Romano, AS Roma are plotting a new bid for Chris Smalling. They are willing to table something between the €15 million to €20 million for the Manchester United defender, having previously been rebuffed in their attempts to do so earlier this summer. It is believed that Roma are also keen on including Diogo Dalot’s season-long loan deal as part of the transfer offer. But does the move make sense for the Red Devils?
Diogo Dalot: Does He Have Any Future At Old Trafford?
Dalot joined Manchester United in 2018 as one of the most talented young right-backs in Europe, with the player costing a total of €22 million.
However, fortunes haven’t exactly favoured the youngster since his move to Old Trafford. He has primarily struggled with injuries and a lot of them.
Last season, for example, Dalot struggled with a groin injury that kept him out for almost three months while the defender has also suffered from a hip problem in the past. Such fitness complexities have made it difficult for Manchester United to trust the 21-year-old.
Indeed, Dalot has failed to break into the club’s starting lineup and has been considered as a fringe player, at best. In the current team, he plays second fiddle to Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
But in reality, the Portuguese youngster may have already fallen behind Timothy Fosu-Mensah in the pecking order. So a loan move to AS Roma could bode well for the defender, especially given the Portuguese connection he could share with the coach Paulo Fonseca. It also makes sense for Manchester United, who haven’t quite been able to utilise Dalot.
What About Chris Smalling?
Chris Smalling is a whole different ballgame for Manchester United at the moment.
The Red Devils have already faced a lot of criticism for failing to sign a new centre-back yet this summer, leaving Solskjaer with three reliable options in Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Harry Maguire. Phil Jones, on the other hand, hasn’t played a lot of football and is not a quality option at the moment.
The presence of Smalling, in that regard, should have provided that extra bit of depth in the central defensive unit, which is needed now more than ever given the hectic schedule of the 2020/21 campaign.
It is also fair to point out that Smalling has had an excellent 2019/20 campaign with AS Roma. He has found his form, having established himself as a star defender in Seria A last season. Unfortunately, the Englishman looks to have his heart set on a return to Rome.
The main priority for Manchester United, therefore, should be to sign a new centre-back as we head towards the final phase of the campaign.
