Dejan Lovren future to be influenced by Chris Smalling decision
Manchester United could very well make the call on the Liverpool future of Dejan Lovren. According to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport (h/t Express), Roma could turn to Lovren if Chris Smalling returns to Old Trafford after the end of his loan in the Italian capital.
The United star has impressed at the Stadio Olympico and Roma are keen to keep hold of him. The player too was keen on staying with the Serie-A side but his recent run of good form has seen United drive up his asking price.
Roma won’t pay over the odds to make Smalling’s loan move permanent and negotiations are yet to take place. According to the report, Roma’s director of football Gianluca Petrachi had been working behind the scenes on a possible deal.
That has now come to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic. Italy is one of the countries to be hit hard by the pandemic. This looks to have changed Smalling’s mind regarding his decision to stay. Whether this means he will return to United or move elsewhere is yet to be seen.
A better alternative!
Such a situation could see Roma turn their attention to the Liverpool defender in the summer. He has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield and is arguably the fourth choice defender at the club. The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are all ahead of the 30-year-old.
One of Liverpool’s longest-serving players on the current roster, Lovren has made just nine appearances this season.
Not only is Lovren a proven defender at the highest level but is also available at a lower price. The player’s agents have already gotten in touch with the Italians regarding a transfer. Jurgen Klopp will not stand in the player’s way if he decides to leave the club. The player will soon enter the final year of his contract and the Reds stand to gain financially if a deal can be reached this summer.
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If Lovren does leave, Liverpool are likely to bring in a replacement. The likes of Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez and RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano have been touted as possible targets.
