Manchester United transfer news: Radja Nainggolan lined up by Jose Mourinho as Red Devils boss sends scouts to watch Roma midfielder
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Jose Mourinho is to step-up his chase for Roma star Radja Nainggolan.
The United boss sent scouts to watch the 29-year-old recently in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid.
He is a huge admirer of the Belgian midfielder as sees him as the perfect fit to replace Michael Carrick next summer.
Mourinho also watched Atletico's Antoine Griezmann and £85m-rated Saul Niguez, who he is a long-time fan of, during the match.
United are still hopeful of landing the French striker next summer after a number of failed bids in the last window.
The Red Devils are understood to be lining up an £88m bid for the 26-year-old.
An Old Trafford source said: “Jose sent scouts to the game to look at a number of players, but most importantly Nainggolan.
“He is a big fan of his. Griezmann was also looked at, but we know everything we need to about him already.
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“They are going to go back in for him next summer, that’s for sure. The main thing is to replace Michael Carrick, though.
“Jose had wanted to sign Nainggolan as far back as his days at Chelsea, he is that big a fan.”
Griezmann decided to stay at Atletico this summer and sign a new deal with the club under a transfer ban until January.
Diego Simeone’s side snapped-up Chelsea ace Diego Costa for £67m earlier this week.