Inter market, the ‘zero’ hit is getting more and more distant

Chris Smalling is expected to renew with Roma

Engaged in the arduous task of finding a worthy replacement for Milan Skriniar, who has already been betrothed to PSG, Beppe Marotta is also probing the ever-profitable zero-parameter market to reinforce the Nerazzurri defense. Without straying too far from Serie A, the able Milanese executive had circled in red in his diary the name of Chris Smalling, Roma’s expiring English defender.

After a few positive talks with the former Manchester United man’s entourage, the negotiations had entered a stalemate. It was then the player himself, with statements released in recent days, who hinted that he wanted to continue his adventure in the Giallorossi. Important signals, in this sense, also came from Tiago Pinto, who offered the Briton a two-year deal at a lower figure than what he currently receives.

Smalling’s willingness now seems to accept the Portuguese manager’s proposal: the renewal would be close at this point. With good peace to Marotta, who will have to go back to sounding out the very expensive Scalvini and Ndicka tracks to guarantee Simone Inzaghi a defender who will not make the Slovakian regret.