AS Roma are confident of keeping hold of Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.

Il Tempo says Roma are 'optimistic' about keeping Smalling at the Stadio Olimpico after offering United another loan deal with the option to buy.

While he has clearly done enough to convince the club to sign him, Roma's financial situation means they were unable to reach United's £20million valuation of the defender and have instead proposed another season-long loan for £3m with a £13m obligation to buy next summer.

That will bring Giallorossi's total outgoings for the defender to £19m, including the £3m they paid United for the loan last year.

The 31-year-old has made it clear that he would like to return to the Stadio Olimpico next season and it is said the two clubs are currently working on a deal to make that happen.