Roma are keen to keep Chris Smalling at the club beyond this summer following his impressive loan spell from Manchester United.
The English defender has shone while at the Italian club this season and has established himself as the first-choice centre back option at the Stadio Olimpico.
Despite only joining Roma in September of last year Smalling narrowly missed out on a place in their team of the decade, and has been rated as the second best defender in Italian this season by WhoScored.com.
Smalling is due back at United this summer but is expected to be sold if a club can match the transfer valuation put on him by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.
Recent reports suggest Roma might not be able to afford Smalling this summer, but manager Paulo Fonseca is keen to keep the 30-year-old at the club.
"He surprised me," Fonseca told Portuguese publication 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."
