Manchester United Join The Race For Roma’s Midfield General
Reuters / Alessandro Bianchi
Manchester United have joined the bidding war for AS Roma and Belgian national player Radja Nainggolan, Sky Sports understands.
While the player was on Chelsea’s radar since Antonio Conte took the helm, they have another Premier League team to deal against. The London outfit put a bid of £34m on the player in the winter transfer market, which did not convert into a transfer.
The player stated back in March: “Yes. I talked to him. They were really interested and wanted me over there. That’s all I can say.”
Manchester United have been linked with several players for this transfer season, mostly with strikers and midfielders. This transfer season may see them spending as much as £200 million.
With United again succumbing to a mediocre 0-0 draw with Southampton, it was quite clear that apart from the much-needed bolster United needs at the front, a renewed face in the defensive midfield role is also required. It was only due to goalkeeper Sergio Romero’s quality saves that United managed to end the game with a clean sheet and a draw.
Nainggolan has scored 4 goals for Roma this season, as they sit in the second position, 4 points behind Juventus. His qualities in the middle of the field make him a very versatile player – he can play defensive as well as on the offense. This is because the player is adept at both tackling and holding the ball, as well as finishing and dribbling.
It is expected that the Belgian might go around £35m, a value much lower than most other United targets this season.
The 29-year old had been playing in Cagliari before he joined Roma on loan in 2014, and then made the move permanent the very next year. Since then, he has been continuously learning and improving, and has developed a name for himself in Serie A and Europe.
While he may lack the show and glamour in his play, the player is amongst the only few complete midfielders in Europe right now.
Written by Srivats Venkateswaran 