Chris Smalling ‘hands in transfer request at Roma to force through a January move to Inter Milan’

Chris Smalling reportedly handed in a transfer request to seal a move away from Roma in January in a bid to join Serie A rivals Inter Milan.

The former England international entered the final year of his contract with Roma, joining Manchester United in 2019 and seems eager to seal another career transfer.

Smalling is currently running out of his contract with Roma which is set to expire in June and has turned down offers of a one-year extension, with the club and the player unable to reach an agreement over contract length and salary demands.

Chris Smalling has reportedly handed in a transfer request at current club Roma

Roma manager José Mourinho would lose a key part of his defense if Smalling left

That has left the door open for Inter Milan with Smalling now submitting a transfer request to leave the Italian capital during the current window in an attempt to push for a late move, as reported by tuttomercatoweb.

Inter boss Simone Inzaghi is considering possible defensive reinforcements with stars Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij out of contract in the summer, with Smalling seen as a possible alternative.

However, that’s not until the summer when the centre-back’s apparent determination to leave his current club mid-season came as a shock given his status at Roma.

The Englishman’s contract in Rome expires in the summer and the two parties do not agree in the negotiations

Smalling is the subject of interest for Roma’s Serie A rivals, Inter Milan.

The Englishman has rejuvenated his career in Italy after difficulties in Manchester and cemented his place as one of José Mourinho’s key players.

He has become a commanding presence at the heart of the back three for Champions League hopefuls and helped Roma win the Europa Conference League last season.

The 33-year-old has made 25 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring three goals, including the winner against Inter in October.

The 33-year-old defender (centre) is keen to join Inter Milan during the January transfer window.

Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi sees Smalling as an ideal replacement for some of the stars leaving the club.

Roma currently sit one position above Inter in the Serie A standings, with the two teams level on points at a crowded table where only three points separate second and sixth.

If he leaves Roma in the final days of the window, it would be a huge blow for Mourinho, however, if the club agrees to offer him a two-year or longer contract, Smalling could extend his stay.