Inter are keeping a close eye on Roma’s Chris Smalling, with the defender out of contract this summer and able to decide whether to trigger an extension or not.
As reported in today’s newspaper edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Smalling has a unique option in his existing contract at the Stadio Olimpico that would allow him to automatically sign on for a further year should he feature in at least 50% of Roma’s matches this season.
A regular at the heart of defence under coach Jose Mourinho, Smalling is on track to meet that requirement and so the decision is set to be his, although the Lupi are determined to hold on to him.
Indeed, they fear that Smalling may jump ship and join Inter on a free transfer this summer, following in the footsteps of midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan this season.
Roma were left searching for a last minute replacement for the Armenian and swooped for Juventus star Paulo Dybala, but there is a concern that former Manchester United defender Smalling will be difficult to replace.
Inter are on the hunt for a new centre-back and coach Simone Inzaghi is an admirer of Smalling, whilst the low cost of the operation is attractive to the club.
