TOTTENHAM are preparing a shock transfer bid for Chris Smalling, according to reports.
The Manchester United defender, 30, has impressed this season during his loan spell with Roma.
Paulo Fonseca’s side are keen to keep the English centre-back beyond the end of the season.
Boss Fonseca admitted in February: “Is it possible Smalling stays here at Roma? Yes. He is a very strong player and has had an immediate connection with Italian football.
“He is a great player, very important for us and likes to live in Rome.”
But with Roma yet to agree a deal to make the switch permanent, Tuttosport believe Spurs want to nick in front in the queue and capture Smalling – dubbed ‘Smalldini’ after his fine form, which includes keeping nine clean sheets in 28 appearances.
The former Fulham defender worked alongside Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford and it appears the Special One is keen to be reunited with the 31-cap England man.
Toby Alderweireld has committed his future to Spurs but Jan Vertonghen is out of contract in the summer and Juan Foyth was linked with a departure in January.
So a space could be opened up in the defence for Smalling, who may even have an eye on forcing his way back into the England side with other centre-backs struggling for form this term.
Despite seemingly considering him surplus to requirements this season, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did say in December he expects Smalling to return to Manchester United in the summer and ruled out a transfer to Roma.
But the player revealed to Sky Sports how much he is enjoying life in Italy and would certainly consider permanently relocating.
He said: “When I first came it was exciting but also daunting because you’re not sure what to expect.
“New country, new experience. But considering the way I’ve settled in, the love that I have felt, especially from the fans but everyone in Rome, it will be an interesting decision to make.
“Some of the other players said if you really hit the ground running, the love that you can have in this city is unbelievable. That’s really what I’ve felt and so have my family. Long may it continue.
“When I spoke to them (United), it was a case of ‘let’s have a good season, hopefully it all goes to plan, the team is successful and I am successful’ and at the end of the season we’ll sit down.
“That was the plan at the start of the season and obviously we’re not finished yet so come the end of the season we’ll see what the plan is.”
