Do not rub your eyes. AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan is on the verge of joining the Chinese Super League in a €50m deal, according to reports.
Just days after the 29-year-old was dropped against Atalanta as punishment for his New Year's Eve celebrations, Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Guangzhou Evergrande have already negotiated a transfer.
In fact, talks between Nainggolan, Cannavaro and Roma boss Eusebio Di Francesco have already taken place on Friday as it looks like a shock January window swoop is on the cards.
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The report states that the Belgian would earn €12m a year at Fabio Cannavaro's side and naturally, Nainggolan would be a like-for-like replacement for Paulinho, who left the Chinese club for Barcelona last year.
A deal would be structured as a loan with a compulsory purchase option before June 30.
The Belgian midfielder was a long term target for Premier League champions Chelsea and has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during the last two transfer windows.
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Sky Sports even reported that United wanted to add the former Cagliari man to their ranks last summer. It just sums up how unexpected this potential January window signing is, really.
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When interviewed by Sky Sports in March, Nainggolan confirmed he had spoken with Chelsea boss Conte, last summer, saying, "Yes. I talked to him.
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"They were really interested and wanted me over there. That's all I can say."
Since joining Roma permanently in 2014, following a loan spell at the Stadio Olimpico during the 2013-14 campaign, Nainggolan has become a vital part of the Giallorossi first team.
Thoughts on the 29-year-old's potential move to the Chinese Super League? Do you think Nainggolan could play at a higher level?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Serie A, Transfers, AS Roma, Chinese Super League, Radja Nainggolan
