Inter Milan interested in Manchester United defender Chris Smalling

Inter Milan are reportedly interested in bringing Manchester United defender Chris Smalling to the San Siro. Antonio Conte plans on challenging rivals AS Roma for the English centerback’s signature in what would be about a £23 million deal.

Smalling impressed this past season on loan at AS Roma but a permanent deal fell through with the Italian club balking at United’s transfer fee.

Smalling would be the fourth United player to to board the one way train from Old Trafford to Inter since Ole Gunnar Solskjær took over. Striker Romelu Lukaku made the move last summer with fullback Ashley Young following in January.

Alexis Sánchez went on loan to Inter last summer with a permanent deal being agreed to last week.

It’s starting to feel like Antonio Conte really wanted to manage Manchester United two years ago. He didn’t get that chance, but now he’s trying to reassemble that whole squad back in Italy. I wonder if he’ll come for Diogo Dalot or Jesse Lingard next?

The 30-year-old Smalling has won 31 England caps in his career, but his inability to play out the back saw him fall out of favor with Gareth Southgate and be removed from the England picture.

That same lack of ball playing ability means that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no use for him and United will likely jump on the first acceptable offer that comes in for him.