Roma manager Paulo Fonseca has heaped praise on defender Chris Smalling as Arsenal and Tottenham continue to be linked with signing the Manchester United defender.
Smalling has spent the season in Rome and has impressed in the Serie A after United allowed the central defender to move on loan following the signing of Harry Maguire last summer.
His form has attracted attention from elsewhere, with Arsenal and Tottenham among the clubs reported to have shown an interest in Smalling to bolster their defensive options.
But Fonseca’s comments about Smalling make it clear that Roma will be looking to sign the English defender on a permanent basis this summer.
“He surprised me,” the Roma boss admitted to A Bola.
“He’s a defender that had never left England and he arrived in a league very demanding of tactics, where details make the difference.
“Chris adapted very quickly. He’s an extraordinary guy, very intelligent. He has characteristics that I really appreciate in the centre.
“He’s fast, nearly unbeatable in one-on-ones. He has a great ability to read the play and anticipate. He was very important for this club.
“If possible, I would like him to stay. He’s a great professional and person, it’s a pleasure to have him here with us.”
Smalling has appeared 28 times for Roma in all competitions and has helped Fonseca’s side sit in fifth-place in the Serie A.
The 30-year-old has even scored on two occasions for Roma this season, and according to the Daily Star, United could ask for £25m for the defender.
The same report claims that Roma believe the defender has been priced too high by his parent club, potentially giving Arsenal and Spurs a boost in the race.
The Star also claim that the Gunners are ready to meet the demands of the United defender as they look to bolster their squad.
