An intermediary working on Chris Smalling's deal says talks are underway between AS Roma and Manchester United.

The defender is on a season-long loan at Roma from United, where he can leave permanently for a fee of £15m.

Tiziano Pasquali told NSL Radio TV: "The negotiation is there but I don't want to go too far.

"I want to keep a low profile because the situation is in a negotiation phase in which answers and confirmations are awaited. The will of the player to stay or not will be decisive. At first he didn't find much space, now Roma has become a real blessing.

"The goal is to play continuously and return to the national team."