AS Roma are accusing Manchester United of moving the goalposts in their bid to sign permanently Chris Smalling.

United have angered Roma by bumping up Chris Smalling's transfer fee by £5million leaving a permanent move hanging in the balance, says the Daily Express.

Smalling joined Roma on loan from United in the summer and has settled in well at the Italian club making 18 Serie A appearances.

The 30-year-old defender wants to stay in Italy and Roma were hopeful of securing a permanent deal for around £12m but United have thrown a spanner in the works by raising their asking price.

United bosses now want £17m for the former Fulham player.

The increased demands from Ed Woodward and the United hierarchy have caught Roma off guard.