Report outlines transfer stance of Spurs-linked defender once deemed in world’s ‘top three’

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A player linked with Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly still to discuss his next move and will make a decision in the summer, according to the Daily Mail.

England defender Chris Smalling left Manchester United on loan to join Roma last summer and has been performing well in the Italian capital.

To date, Smalling has made 28 appearances for the Giallorossi, registering one goal and two assists, with the Eternal City side fifth in the Serie A table.

The 30-year-old’s form has seen him linked with Spurs, Arsenal, Everton and Leicester, as well as a permanent switch to Roma and, at international level, a potential England recall.

According to the Daily Mail, Smalling has yet to hear from any club and is concentrating on finishing the season in Italy once Serie A resumes.

The report also claims that the centre-back and his wife Sam have been enjoying their time in Rome where they have been welcomed by locals.

Smalling’s displays have also made him a fan favourite – factors that could end up being crucial when it comes to decision time.

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Smalling has enjoyed a new lease of life at Roma, where his career has picked up again and now reportedly has several suitors wanting his signature.

Tottenham are likely to delve into the summer transfer market to bolster their ranks, particularly at the back, and Smalling is in great form, Premier League-proven, and has worked with Mourinho before.

Smalling previously received huge praise by former Man United colleague Wayne Rooney, who in 2015 deemed him one of the top three centre-backs in the world (Independent).

On the flip side, Smalling is 31 in November, still has two years on his contract with the option of a further year, and is currently on £70,000 a week (Spotrac), with a reported transfer fee of £25million (Gazzetta dello Sport).

In case there’s a bidding war, the transfer fee and potential salary expectations could go up – would Spurs be prepared to potentially spend big on a player over 30?