Radja Nainggolan is a force of nature.
He has consistently proved himself to be one of the most complete midfielders in the modern game, perhaps usurping the great Arturo Vidal in recent seasons. He is a fearsome competitor with the aggression and tenacity of an Edgar Davids or Gennaro Gattuso; he has the power and forward drive of a Michael Essien or Steven Gerrard; and vitally, he has the will to win and passion of a modern-day Roy Keane.
It is surprising then that he is a wanted man. Antonio Conte’s Chelsea, Luciano Spalletti’s Inter Milan, and most recently Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United have all been linked to the midfield tyro. Nainggolan may be 29 years of age, but that won’t put off potential suitors who would be willing to splash out upwards of £40m. The need for a world-class midfielder is probably most pressing at Old Trafford.
The Mail went big on Jose’s interest in the powerful Belgian this week, but Roma president James Pallotta has reacted to the speculation of a United move by setting out two conditions for a sale. Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Pallotta explained:
“First is Financial Fair Play, and in this case, we’d be forced to sell in order to meet corporate parameters. Second is related to a player’s value. We could sell to buy potentially better players. Therefore, Monchi is doing a great job.”
This may sound like bad news for Mourinho, but the Roma boss has left the door ajar by essentially saying that every player has their price. Indeed, Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has confirmed that United have already held talks about a potential deal earlier in the year.
