Manchester United are reportedly interested in AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan, with Jose Mourinho a long-time admirer of the Belgian powerhouse.
According to The Sun, Manchester United are interested in AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan. The report states that Jose Mourinho is a long-term admirer of the Belgian international and is eyeing a summer move for the midfielder as a potential replacement for Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick is unlikely to extend his contract as a player beyond the summer of 2018, with United already starting to phase the player slowly away from his role as a player this season. And while Jose Mourinho has signed Nemanja Matic, he may seek further additions in the department come next season.
Nainggolan is widely recognised as one of the most dominant midfielders in world football, with his unique tackling technique. The player has been a rock in the middle of the park for AS Roma for the last three seasons and a half.
The 29-year-old has started the present season well, with a goal and two assists in 5 appearances so far. And while Nainggolan did not move in the summer despite widespread speculation linking him to the top clubs in Europe, he may be on his way out of Rome in the summer of 2018.
Man Utd have again sent a scout to watch Roma’s Radja Nainggolan ahead of a potential bid next summer. (Source: Daily Mirror) #MUFC #ASRoma pic.twitter.com/HBh7cal0xl
— Transfer Centre Live (@TransferCenLive) September 27, 2017
Jose Mourinho is an admirer of the 29-year-old and is considering a move for the midfielder in the summer transfer window of 2018, when Carrick’s contract is up for expiry. According to the report, Mourinho sent his scouts to watch the player in action during AS Roma’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.
As per a quote from the report from an Old Trafford source, “Jose sent scouts to the game to look at a number of players, but most importantly Nainggolan. He is a big fan of his. Griezmann was also looked at, but we know everything we need to about him already.”
“They are going to go back in for him next summer, that’s for sure. The main thing is to replace Michael Carrick, though. Jose had wanted to sign Nainggolan as far back as his days at Chelsea, he is that big a fan.”
The Belgian will turn 30 by the summer transfer window. But, with his contract set to expire in 2021 combined with his importance for Roma, he will surely cost a considerable amount – an amount, though, that United may not hesitate in paying if Mourinho does decide to go in for the midfielder.
