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Roma 'accept defeat in their bid to sign Chris Smalling and draw up a list of replacements... including Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen'

Roma 'have accepted defeat' in their efforts to keep Manchester United loanee Chris Smalling and will pursue other targets 'including Tottenham's Jan Vertonghen.'

Smalling has been excellent during his time with the Serie A club and Roma were keen to make the defender's loan permanent.

But, according to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, Roma's poor financial situation has put Smalling's asking price of around £18million beyond their reach.

Roma wanted to make Chris Smalling's (centre) loan from Manchester United permanent but the u00a318million asking price is reportedly beyond them
Smalling has enjoyed an excellent season with Roma and the Italian club wanted to sign him

Smalling has two years remaining on his £2.7m-a-year United contract and the Old Trafford club are happy to sell him.