Juventus want ex-Man Utd star Chris Smalling on a free transfer as England defender cancels Roma contract

JUVENTUS want to sign former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling on a free transfer, according to reports.

Smalling, 33, is currently playing his trade under former Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho at Roma.

The pair enjoyed great success, winning the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League last season.

But his contract is due to expire at the end of June.

According to Tuttosport, Smalling is one of the players Mourinho is asking to stay at Roma, but the former England international is attracting interest from other top clubs such as Juve and Inter Milan.

Smalling fits the profile of the perfect defender sought by Juve: “quality, reliability and experience”.

He is seen as a priority to replace the legendary Giorgio Chiellini and a “declining” Leonardo Bonucci.

However, salaries could prove to be a stumbling block.

Juve would like to cut Smalling’s £3m-a-year salary.

Instead, a deal would be sealed with bonuses.

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Poland and Spezia star Jakub Kiwior is also on Juve’s radar.

The 22-year-old has been priced £17.5m by Spezia.