Sridhar Bhamidi
It looks like Manchester United and Chelsea will get tangled more and more in this transfer window. After wrangling over Romelu Lukaku, the sides are now ready to go head-to-head over AS Roma enforcer Radja Nainggolan, according to The Daily Mail.
The Belgium international is one of the most revered midfielders in Serie A with the combative style he brings to the side. Never the one to shy away from a tackle, Nainggolan will add steel to the side he chooses to join – if he decides to move away from Roma.
It is not the first time that either of these clubs is associated with the 29-year-old. Chelsea went after him last year with a view of making a bid, while Manchester United are believed to have submitted a bid in February before making a fresh approach in May.
Both Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte are looking for quality additions in the middle of the park. Chelsea are on the verge of signing Tiemoue Bakayoko from AS Monaco for the same position.
His arrival could spark the departure of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea to United. It looks like you can’t talk about United this transfer season without bringing Chelsea into the picture!
Chelsea were left red-faced after United hijacked the deal for Lukaku and there are doubts if Matic would be allowed to join them. This is why Mourinho is looking to bid for Nainggolan.
Although Roma are trying to quash the reports, they are ready to sell their stars. We have already seen Antonio Rudiger joining Chelsea from Roma and the discussion lines are still open.
For United, the hope is that their long-standing interest in the player could come to fruition at last. There are signs that Nainggolan is frustrated about Roma’s lack of activity in the transfer window and their intent to challenge for titles.
Then, of course, is the little matter of his fellow countrymen Fellaini and Lukaku on the books of Old Trafford. Chelsea have their own contingent of Belgians in their squad too. This saga looks all set to go until the final day!
