Manchester United are reportedly preparing to launch a £26 million offer for Roma's Radja Nainggolan, as manager Louis van Gaal looks to bring in a new holding midfielder this summer.
After recording six consecutive victories in the Premier League, United's form seems to have again slumped as they have lost their last two games against Chelsea and Everton.
Although the Red Devils lost against Chelsea despite playing pretty well at Stamford Bridge on 18 April, they were quite poor during their 0-3 defeat at Everton last weekend.
During both these defeats, United was without their midfielder Michael Carrick, who has been out of action since picking a calf injury during the Manchester derby on 12 April.
Carrick's presence seems to have a high influence on the United squad as with him the Red Devils have won 72.2% of the matches.
However, United will not be able to rely on the 33-year-old midfielder for long, as he is no longer young and his fitness levels are not the same as it used to be.
As a result, van Gaal is reportedly targeting Roma's Nainggolan as a long-term replacement for Carrick, according to the Daily Mirror.
The 26-year-old will certainly be well suited for the Premier League as he his known for his physical style of play, capable of holding the ball as well as making strong tackles.
Apart from that, the Belgian is known for his excellent passing and through balls, and is well capable of turning defence into attack in a blink of an eye.
Although Nainggolan completed a switch from Cagliari to Roma for a reported €6 million only last summer, United have a good chance of landing the Belgian as he is reportedly not satisfied with his current wages.
United are reportedly confident that a £26 million bid will be enough to secure the services of Nainggolan, who is co-owned by both Roma and Cagliari.
The Belgian also recently admitted that he is not certain about his Roma future beyond this season.
"Will I stay at Roma? At the moment there's a 50 per cent chance," said the midfielder, according to the Daily Mirror.
"However, I'm not worried as there's still time. Roma and Cagliari have to find an agreement."
