Roma head coach Paulo Fonseca says he's determined to keep Chris Smalling at the club for at least one more season.
The England defender has impressed while on loan from Manchester United this term, making 28 appearances and helping the club keep nine clean sheets. Smalling's form has put in line for a recall to Gareth Southgate's England squad while United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted that he return to Old Trafford for the 2021 campaign.
Fonseca says 30-year-old Smalling, who has two years remaining on his United contract, has been "amazing" and has become a leader in their dressing room.
"I will do everything I can to keep him at Roma next year too," the Roma boss told ESPN. "I know he wants to stay, let's see what happens.
"He's an amazing man, so humble, so professional. He is adored by the fans and established himself as one of the leaders in the dressing room.
"It's not easy for English central defenders to adapt so quickly to Italian football, the record there isn't good. But he has been amazing."
Meanwhile Fonseca is backing young midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo to become one of the best players in Europe:
"He's not just a wonderful natural talent, he's a player who improved considerably this year. I used to say he was like a wild man, following his instincts, but now he understands the game, understands the space, understands the decision-making.
"I have no doubt that in a few years he'll be one of the best players not just in Italy but in all of Europe."
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