The future of Chris Smalling remains uncertain but the 30-year-old could yet have a place over at Old Trafford. His loan spell at Roma is coming to an end and Manchester United has made it clear that the only way he can play elsewhere is through a permanent transfer. The same scenario holds for Alexis Sanchez who will wrap up his loan stint with Inter Milan soon.
But in the case of Smalling, the English center-back could be of use to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Most know that the Red Devils need defensive players and are checking the market for available players. Rather than take someone in and add to their expenses, putting Smalling to use would make sense. Besides, the player has shown he can be an asset if utilized properly. He is under contract with United until 2022.
With Roma, Smalling has played in 35 matches and scored twice, Sky Sports reported. Roma wants to keep him but the only way is through a permanent deal. United is seeking $21 million from any club that would be interested in taking the English player.
Should there be no takers, Solskjaer could instead put him to good use. Though Smalling has shown that he can keep in step with the pace of the Red Devils' game, there are questions on how he can perform better during possessions. Smalling needs to adjust to the system of Solskjaer, assuming he is interested to stay at Old Trafford.
Right now, Smalling's fate is up in the air. His loan spell at Roma does not end until August. Unless there are changes made in the coming days, he and Sanchez are expected to make their return to Old Trafford. it remains to be seen if Solskjaer could also have used for Sanchez.
If both fail to make the grade, United will likely offer Smalling and Sanchez to other clubs. Other players up for grabs include Phil Jones, Jesse Lingard, Marcos Rojo and Diogo Dalot. The Red Devils are trying to sell off some players as they try to raise funds for Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund. BVB is asking a hefty $141 million for the English winger.
If United fails to raise the needed funds to complete the deal, there are other teams also interested in the 20-year-old player. Liverpool F.C. is also linked to Sancho. The only thing sure right now is that Dortmund has no plans to lower its asking price. If no one meets the asking fee, Dortmund would be happy to keep Sancho next season. Sancho is under contract until 2022.
