Roma boss Paulo Fonseca reveals transfer admission over Man Utd defender Chris Smalling.

• Centre-half Smalling has proved his worth to the Roma fans while on loan from Manchester United and his situation is being monitored by several Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham.

Smalling is a man in demand following brilliant displays with Serie A club Roma. [Getty]

Roma head coach Paulo Fonseca has admitted that he is keen on signing Chris Smalling from Manchester United this summer, saying the England defender is "nearly unbeatable" and "very intelligent". Centre-back Smalling, joined the Serie A club on loan from United last summer after falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford. But, he has proved his worth to the Roma fans, and his situation is being monitored by several Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Tottenham. The 30-year-old played 21 out of 26 Serie A games for The Yellow and Reds, scoring twice, before the Italian league was brought to a halt due to the coronavirus chaos. And, he seems keen on extending his stay at the Stadio Olimpico having re-established himself as a solid centre-half in Italy. However, Roma coach Fonseca heaped praise on the United star and also confirmed he would like to secure Smalling's signature permanently. "He surprised me. He's a defender that had never left England and he arrived in a league very demanding of tactics, where details make the difference," Fonseca told Portuguese publication A Bola.

"Chris adapted very quickly. He's an extraordinary guy, very intelligent. He has characteristics that I really appreciate in the centre. "He's fast, nearly unbeatable in one-on-ones. He has a great ability to read the play and anticipate. He was very important for this club. "If possible, I would like him to stay. He's a great professional and person, it's a pleasure to have him here with us."

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