Chris Smalling will not join Inter before next week’s transfer deadline as the defender is only interested in a return to Roma, according to Wednesday’s print edition of Corriere dello Sport.
The English centre-back made 30 league appearances on loan with the Giallorossi last season, before returning to Manchester United after the clubs failed to agree a permanent deal.
Inter have been linked with a move for Smalling as a potential replacement for Milan Skriniar, rumoured to be a target for Tottenham.
But Smalling will only leave United for Roma, even if it means staying at Old Trafford for another season without any hope of playing.
United received a fresh bid from Roma via an intermediary figure in England yesterday and have softened their stance after pressure from the 30-year-old to let him leave.
The Red Devils have not dropped their asking price too far below their initial €20 million demand, in any case.
