Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'refuse Alexis Sanchez, Chris Smalling loan extensions'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 24 July 2020

Manchester United reportedly rule out the possibility of Alexis Sanchez and Chris Smalling staying with Inter Milan and Roma until the end of the Europa League season.

Manchester United have reportedly ruled out the possibility of letting Alexis Sanchez and Chris Smalling stay out on loan until the end of the Europa League.

The duo joined Inter Milan and Roma respectively on temporary deals at the start of the season, with those loan spells being extended to take them to the end of the elongated 2019-20 domestic campaign.

As things stand both players are due to return to Manchester United after the final day of the Serie A season, which is scheduled for August 2, meaning that they would be unable to take part in the rest of the Europa League campaign.

Roma, who face Sevilla in the last 16, are a possible semi-final opponent for Man United, whereas the Red Devils could meet Inter Milan in the final if they both make it all the way.

Both Serie A clubs are thought to be keen to extend the loan deals until at least the end of their Europa League commitments, but Sky Sports News reports that United are not interested in that arrangement.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are keen to offload both players on a permanent basis this summer in order to raise funds for other transfer targets, including Jadon Sancho.

Roma are thought to be considering a permanent deal for Smalling, while Sanchez has increased the possibility of Inter making that move permanent by scoring two goals and assisting seven more since lockdown.