Manchester United have reportedly informed Roma that the Italian club will have to pay £18m if they wish to sign Chris Smalling on a permanent deal at the end of the season.

The central defender joined Roma on loan over the summer having been deemed surplus to requirements following the arrival of Harry Maguire at Old Trafford.

Smalling has impressed for Paulo Fonseca's side this season, scoring once in 10 appearances for the Italian outfit in the league and Europa League.

According to Tuttosport, Roma are keen to keep the Englishman at the club on a permanent basis, but United have placed an £18m price tag on the former non-league defender.

Smalling, who has started and finished each of his loan side's last eight Serie A matches, has a contract at Old Trafford until the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

The 29-year-old recently suggested that he would be looking to return to his parent club at the end of the season to fight for a first-team spot.