‘He wants to stay’ – Manager makes admission about rumoured Spurs target’s future

Roma boss Paulo Fonseca has vowed to do everything he can to sign rumoured Spurs target Chris Smalling on a permanent basis when his loan spell comes to an end in the summer.

Smalling has had a new lease of life since moving to the Italian capital on loan last summer with his performance attracting the attention of England boss Gareth Southgate (Guardian).

Spurs have been tipped to make a move for the Manchester United stopper, with Jose Mourinho reportedly keen on reuniting with the experienced defender who he managed during his time at Old Trafford (Corriere Dello Sport via The Express).

It appeared as if Tottenham’s chances of signing the 30-year-old received a boost when Calcio Mercato reported last month that Roma had pulled out of the race for Smalling as they were said to be unable to meet United’s £22million asking price.

However, Fonseca has poured cold water over that report by insisting that the club will do everything in their power to sign the England international this summer.

He also revealed that Smalling is keen to continue his time in Serie A.

Speaking to ESPN (as relayed by The Express), Fonseca said: “I will do everything I can to keep him at Roma next year too.

“I know he wants to stay, let’s see what happens. He’s an amazing man, so humble, so professional.

“He is adored by the fans and established himself as one of the leaders in the dressing room.

“It’s not easy for English central defenders to adapt so quickly to Italian football, the record there isn’t good. But he has been amazing.”

Spurs Web Opinion

If recent reports are to be believed, we might not have any transfer funds at all to spend this summer, in which case we might have to settle for a signing like Smalling. However, I would rather see Vertonghen handed the two-year extension he is reportedly demanding than sign rather than sign the United player (Football Insider).

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