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Chris Smalling is close to making his loan deal at Roma permanent in January
The Englishman has shone in Italy since loan move from Manchester United
The centre-back has formed an impressive partnership with Gianluca Mancini
Roma are reportedly in advanced talks and and the offer has been increased

By TOBY MILES FOR MAILONLINE

Published: 03:59 AEDT, 31 December 2019 | Updated: 22:29 AEDT, 3 January 2020

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Roma are pushing hard to land Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling on a permanent deal in January transfer.

The Englishman's loan spell in Serie A has been a roaring success, with Smalling back to his best after rediscovering the confidence he lost at Old Trafford.

The two clubs are in advanced talks, with Roma increasing their bid to £12.8m plus £2.5m in bonuses for the defender, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Chris Smalling is close to making his Roma loan from Manchester United permanent

The centre-back looked devoid of confidence later in his United career but has shone at Roma

United are reportedly chasing £17m for Smalling, with the Italian side already playing £2.5m for the one-year loan. It is also said that the 30-year-old is set to sign a five-year contract.

Alongside Gianluca Mancini, the double Premier League winner has been the go-to centre-back this season - starting 15 games and even contributing two goals.

He made 323 appearances for United, but a difficult 2018/19 left him in need of a move elsewhere.

The Englishman has been the go-to centre-back alongside Gianluca Mancini this season

The Serie A side sit in the Champions League places after 17 games, seven points behind league leaders Inter Milan.

Smalling's performances have even brought him back into contention for an England spot, and the centre-back will be keen to continue his progress at Roma.