Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could recall Chris Smalling to his Man Utd squad if the Red Devils struggle to sign another centre-back this summer, according to reports.
Smalling has been out on loan at Serie A side Roma for the season, impressing the club’s management during his 37 appearances in all competitions.
Roma extended his loan until the end of the campaign at the beginning of July and there have been reports that the Italian outfit are keen to keep him long term.
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Reports in Italy at the end of June even claimed that Roma had agreed a deal that would see Smalling join on loan again next season before completing a £15-16m move.
However, The Metro now claims that Man Utd boss Solskjaer could still include Smalling ‘in his squad’ next term ‘if he cannot find a centre-back in the transfer market’.
‘Solskjaer is keen to sign a fast centre-back’ to partner Harry Maguire next season and because Smalling ‘possesses the pace’ he could be an option if things don’t work out in the transfer market.
Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake and Villarreal’s Pau Torres are both mentioned as targets with the report adding that Solskjaer has agreed ‘a £140m budget with his board’.
The Metro continues: ‘Should a defender not arrive, then Smalling will be recalled to provide competition for Maguire and Lindelof.’
