Chris Smalling in talks to extend contract with Roma

has managed to stay fit throughout the season despite suffering from a number of physical issues throughout the first half of the campaign. He has also contributed to the

defense with a number of impressive performances. In the last seven rounds, the Giallorossi have conceded just three goals, with only one coming from open play.

The English veteran has also reached the back of the net once, bringing

Salernitana

back into the game late in the second half and igniting their comeback. Due to COVID-19, the 33-year-old has missed just one game since the beginning of the season. The Italian has been given the nod in 11 consecutive Serie A matches, earning him a pair of maintenance days in the

European Conference League

.

In contrast, when he was dealing with thigh and calf concerns earlier in the campaign, this was not the case. In addition, he struggled with injuries in 2020-2021, to the point where the club considered releasing him at the end of the season last year. According to Corriere dello Sport, the administration of Roma and Smalling have begun discussions about a new contract as a result of the turnaround in fortunes.

The center-back has a contract with the club that lasts until 2023. The parties are attempting to reach an agreement on a longer contract with a lower yearly salary. He currently earns €3 million each year.

This is something the defender is eager to accept because he is quite comfortable in the Italian capital. Furthermore, he has a strong ally in the form of

José Mourinho

. They won their final trophy as a team in 2017 while playing for

. Early on, the manager had noted that "he is an excellent player," but that "he sadly spends more time off the pitch than on the pitch."

Follow

for the