The centre-back hasn’t played for the Serie A side since September (Picture: Getty)
Chris Smalling is reportedly nearing an exit from Serie A club Roma with clubs in the Saudi Pro League interested in his signature.
Smalling has been a mainstay in Roma’s defence since his move to Italy from Manchester United in August 2019.
However, the Englishman has been sidelined with tendonitis for large parts of the season and hasn’t featured for Jose Mourinho’s side since their 2-1 loss to Milan in September.
The 33-year-old is not expected to be fit until after Christmas but the Italian club may instead choose to cash in on the ageing centre-back when the transfer window reopens in the new year.
Should they choose to, Smalling would not be without interest with Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport suggesting that several clubs in the Saudi Pro League are interested in the player.
Smalling signed a new contract with Roma in the summer which is set to expire in June 2025.
Reports also suggest that Saudi clubs are also considering moves for his Roma teammates Paulo Dybala and Leonardo Spinazzola.
Jose Mourino’s side have endured a tough start to the Serie A season (Picture: Getty)
Roma sit seventh in Serie A – 13 points off league leaders Inter – and have won just one game in their last four in all competitions.
At present, former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is the only English player who plays in the Saudi Pro League.
Henderson moved during the summer transfer window to join Al-Ettifaq, coached by former teammate Steven Gerrard.
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Reports this month have also linked the Saudi Pro League with a second attempt to sign England and Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho after a bid for him in September failed.
Sancho was not interested in the move at the time but Saudi sides hope to strike a deal in the new year for the 26-year-old who has not played a league game since his public falling out with manager Erik ten Hag.
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He hasn’t played for Roma since September.
