Smalling's agent puts private jet to Italy and FINALLY seal £12.5m deal to Roma

Chris Smalling's agent James Featherstone has put a private plane on standby to fly to Italy today.

The Manchester United defender is awaiting news of whether Roma and the Old Trafford club can reach accord on his transfer.

Despite hype from Italy regarding agreement on a £12.5million fee being close, there is still plenty of negotiating required to meet United's valuation.

Smalling has cut a frustrated figure around Carrington in recent weeks and many would argue, on the back of Sunday's performance against Tottenham, that he could still make a telling contribution to the first team.

The 30-year-old impressed on loan at Roma last season and, after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer failed to include him in his first team plans this summer, made it clear he would prefer to return to Serie A where he can play regularly.

Smalling turns 31 next month and is under contract until 2022. He was forced out by Solskjaer last year when it became apparent he would not figure following Harry Maguire's signing and despite raised hopes ahead of this season, the picture remains the same.

Despite having Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones on their books, they want to add another centre-back, albeit next year. Yet they are struggling to offload some of those players to make room and Roma's interest in Smalling remains the best chance of recouping substantial funds.

Smalling has been at United for ten years and staff have been impressed by his professionalism as he continued to train twice a day, often on his own, up until last week.

Fevered speculation from Italian media over his deal being close to conclusion has merely added to the angst as he awaits news.

His representative, Featherstone has made necessary provisions for today by provisionally booking a plane to fly to Rome but with the Italian deadline closing at 7pm, time is against them.