Roma are reportedly still confident of signing Chris Smalling from Manchester United on a permanent deal.

Smalling joined Roma on loan from United during the summer transfer window, and the 29-year-old has made six appearances for the Italian club during the 2019-20 campaign.

Last week, it was claimed that the Serie A outfit wanted to sign the central defender on a permanent deal having been impressed with his form this season.

United are allegedly against the idea of Smalling leaving the club next summer, but according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma are confident that they will be able to sign the former non-league defender.

Smalling was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford over the summer with Harry Maguire arriving in a big-money deal, while the return of Axel Tuanzebe from a loan spell at Aston Villa pushed him further down the pecking order.

The Red Devils are believed to value the 31-time England international in the region of £17m.