Jose Mourinho is looking to go head-to-head with former club Chelsea in the transfer market this Summer, with news breaking this afternoon that Manchester United have entered the race to sign Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan.
The Belgian midfielder has been a long term target for the newly crowned Premier League champions and has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during the last two transfer windows.
However, Antonio Conte now faces some competition for the 29-year-old's signature, with Sky Sports reporting that United now also want to add the former Cagliari man to their ranks.
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The report claims that United's interest is only in the early stages and that no formal offer has been submitted at this time.
Will Nianggolan be celebrating his goals at the Stadio Olimpico, Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford, next summer? Image: PA
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Chelsea reportedly made several offers to land Nainggolan last summer, but were constantly rebuffed by Roma, who turned down a final offer of over £34m for the Belgian international.
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, making 120 appearances over the past three seasons, scoring 26 goals in the process.
Outside of Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera, Mourinho is short of quality options in the centre of midfield, with Marouane Fellaini's lack of pace and technical proficiency making him a less than ideal candidate to be a regular starter there and Michael Carrick will be 36 by the time the new season kicks off.
Could this name soon be adorning the back of a Manchester United shirt? Image: PA
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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.
"They were really interested and wanted me over there. That's all I can say."
Where Nainggolan eventually ends up is anyone's guess, although it's safe to assume that Mourinho stands a better chance of getting his man if United beat Ajax in the Europa League final next Wednesday, thus qualifying for next season's Champions League.
(H/T Sky Sports)
Topics: Football, Manchester United, AS Roma, Chelsea FC, Radja Nainggolan
