Manchester United and Chelsea on alert as Roma star Radja Nainggolan hints at Premier League move
Belgian midfielder admits to liking the idea of playing in England after sampling the atmosphere of Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night
RADJA NAINGOLLAN has admitted he would be open to playing in the Premier League - putting Manchester United and Chelsea on alert.
Roma star Naingolloan has been a long-term target for both United and Chelsea over the past two years but the midfielder has always stayed loyal to his club.
And when the Belgian signed a new contract with the Serie A side over the summer, it looked as though he was getting ready to end his career in the Italian capital.
But after playing a key role in helping Roma secure a thrilling 3-3 Champions League draw against Chelsea, Naingollan admitted playing in England does interest him.
Asked if he would move to the Premier League, Nainggolan said: "Yes, it's a good league.
"Beautiful stadiums, good atmospheres in the stadiums - but at the moment my head is only at Roma."
United boss Jose Mourinho has gone in for Nainggolan in each of the past two summer transfer windows without success.
And Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has also made as many attempts to try to tempt the charismatic midfielder to Stamford Bridge.
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Conte even admitted his interest in the build up to yesterday's match, saying Nainggolan was one of the best midfield players around.
Asked about Conte's praise, the Roma star added: "Thank you for the words, but at the end of the day we're playing against each other and I have to do my job.
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"I think he's a really good coach because his results over the past few years speak for themselves.
"But in the end I have to do what I have to do, and that's playing for Roma and giving the maximum for Roma."
Wednesday's draw at Stamford Bridge saw Chelsea maintain their place at the top of Group C on seven points, two ahead of Roma.
Both side's hopes of reaching the knockout stages were boosted by Atletico Madrid's shock goalless draw against minnows Qarabag.
