MANCHESER UNITED will refuse to sell Chris Smalling to Roma for anything less than 15million.
The 30-year-old defender was deemed surplus to requirements by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last summer following the arrival of Harry Maguire at Old Trafford.
That led to an August switch to the Serie A side on a season-long loan.
Smalling, who had also lost his England place, has since rebuilt his reputation in Italy and produced a number of impressive displays.
And he has also scored twice and provided an assist during his 22 appearances for Roma.
That has led to the Champions League-chasing club wanting to turn Smallings move into a permanent arrangement at the end of the campaign.
However, Sport Witness report United have placed a 15m price tag on the centre-backs head.
And they are refusing to go any lower on their asking price.
Now a lot will depend on whether Roma can qualify for Europes prestige competition with a top four finish.
And without the financial reward that comes with it, they may deem a deal for Smalling too expensive.
The star turns 31 in December, and the transfer fee plus expected 16m in wages for a long-term contract could be out of their reach should they miss out.
United are prepared to play hardball as they know a number of English clubs are also circling.
And they know they could demand that money for the ex-Fulham man from their Prem rivals.
Now it seems his future will not be resolved until Roma discover whether they secure the anticipated 43m windfall from Champions League football to add to their transfer war chest.
