Manchester United and Chelsea dealt blow as Roma star Radja Nainggolan signs new four-year deal
Belgium international has committed his future at the Stadio Olimpico amid interest from United and Chelsea
MANCHESTER UNITED'S hopes of landing Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan have ended after he signed a new deal.
The Belgium international, 29, penned a new contract keeping him at the Stadio Olimpico until 2021.
United were reportedly considering making a £37million bid for Nainggolan last month, while Chelsea were also said to be interested.
But the Roma ace said: "I think I have demonstrated that this is what I always wanted.
"So I'm very happy, especially that the club and I can continue our adventure and move forward together."
Nainggolan joined Roma from Cagliari in January 2014 and has scored 27 goals in 161 appearances at the Serie A giants.
Roma president James Pallotta added: "We're delighted Radja has committed his long-term future - and the most important years of his career - to the club.
"Last season, he was arguably one of the best midfielders in the world and it's no surprise that he was linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Radja Nainggolan factfile: Huge wings tattooed on back in tribute to late mother
- Born in Antwerp on May 4, 1988
- He speaks English, Dutch and Italian fluently, as well as French to a decent level.
- Germinal Beerschot were Nainggolan’s first club, before he joined Piacenza’s youth side in 2005
- He made his professional debut on May 28, 2006 and joined Cagliari in 2010
- That summer, his mother died and he had two wings tattooed on his back with the date of her birth and date
- The Belgian hit the big time when he joined Roma for an initial fee of £2.6million in 2014
- He was involved in a sickening incident in March 2015, which saw Juventus youngster Federico Mattiello’s season ended with a shocking broken leg
- Scored a sensational long-range strike during Belgium’s 3-1 defeat to Wales at Euro 2016
Man United transfer news
"But there was never any question of him going elsewhere - he loves Roma and we love having him here."
United boss Jose Mourinho is still keen on adding to his midfield options.
He is reportedly planning on sending a scout to watch Anderlecht's defensive midfielder Leander Dendoncker in action against Antwerp tonight.
Chelsea's Nemanja Matic is also an option, while a move for Monaco star Fabinho is still on the cards, though less likely.
