Chris Smalling trains away from the rest of the Manchester United squad as talks continue over a return to Roma for the defender
- Chris Smalling missed Manchester United training on Tuesday and Wednesday
- The 30-year-old's agent is negotiating terms for a permanent deal with Roma
- The Serie A side value the former England international at around £15-£20m
Chris Smalling is training on his own at Manchester United today as the club negotiate his departure with Roma.
The 30-year old was absent from United training on Tuesday and Wednesday as he held discussions over his future with the Italians pressing for him to return after his successful loan in Serie A last season.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left the door open for Smalling but it has been clear that he is not considered first option to partner Harry Maguire despite the former Fulham defender’s form over the past 12 months earning rave reviews.
![Chris Smalling missed Manchester United's training on Tuesday and Wednesday then trained away from the squad on Thursday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/09/10/10/32725708-8717769-Smalling_s_United_days_look_to_be_over_after_impressing_during_h-a-22_1599730495362.jpg)
Chris Smalling missed Manchester United's training on Tuesday and Wednesday then trained away from the squad on Thursday
Roma’s pursuit has been an ongoing saga as they try to sign Smalling with a very limited budget.
United have an array of centre backs but Solskjaer still wants a better one to play alongside captain Maguire.
Dayot Upamecano has been discussed but Red Bull Leipzig insist he will stay for another season.
Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are injured while Victor Lindelof was left out of Sweden’s midweek international due to ‘fatigue’. Solskjaer has Eric Bailly too while Marcos Rojo has returned from his loan in Argentina.
Smalling wants to play regular football and the decision now rests with United if they can reach a suitable accord with Roma.
![The 30-year-old's agent is negotiating terms for a permanent move Roma this summer](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/09/10/10/31773360-8717769-Chris_Smalling_has_returned_to_Manchester_United_after_his_loan_-a-23_1599730600311.jpg)
The 30-year-old's agent is negotiating terms for a permanent move Roma this summer
![Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made it clear that Smalling will not be part of his plans next season](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/09/03/09/32725706-0-image-a-5_1599122472373.jpg)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made it clear that Smalling will not be part of his plans next season
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