Roma legend Amedeo Carboni has backed the club to retain Manchester United defender Chris Smalling on a permanent deal.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed a refreshing season-long loan at Stadio Olimpico, having made 28 appearances across all competitions.

The two clubs are in talks about a possible transfer, with the Englishman happy to stay with the Serie A club.

According to Football Italia, there has been a breakthrough in negotiations this week after Roma were struggling to meet United's £22m valuation.

The Premier League club would be prepared to loan Smalling back to Rome next season, with an obligation to buy for for a fee in the region of £15-£16m.

And Carboni, who spent seven years with Roma, has been impressed by Smalling's impact.

"I think Smalling has done good things in Rome, he has looked strong for sure," Carboni told Tribalfootball.com.

"I think he should stay because he's a good player."

Smalling joined United from Fulham in 2010 and made 323 appearances for the club before being shipped out last summer.

He has won 31 caps for England since making his debut in 2011.