Liverpool are going to compete with Manchester United for the signing of AS Roma star Radja Nainggolan, reports the Metro.
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The Belgium international scored five goals and assisted another four in 46 appearances for the the Italian side last time round, and has also netted three times in 12 games for his country. A box-to-box midfielder, he is able to contribute defensively as well as in the final third.
This quality may make him extra enticing to English sides, with the game played at higher pace in the Premier League than on the continent. These characteristics have surely made him stand out to the EPL managers believed to be interested in his services.
The 27-year-old’s tenacious midfield play and driving offensive presence have piqued the interest of the Premier League duo, who both need new central midfielders for differing reasons.
The Merseyside outfit are about to see Anfield legend Steven Gerrard leave for Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy at the end of his contract, and will need a replacement for the 35-year-old. After 17 years of being an icon at the club it will certainly be difficult for whoever replaces him, but in Nainggolan, the Reds would be acquiring a player who, like Gerrard, can impact both ends of the pitch.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils will need more players in the middle of the park with the extra competition of the Champions League as well as heightened expectations in the league to deal with during the 2015-16 campaign.
Manager Louis van Gaal even admitted that he has made a central midfielder a priority this summer according to the Manchester Evening News.
This is likely the case due to Michael Carrick’s advancing years; the midfielder will be 34 by the start of next season, and cannot be expected to have the same consistent impact that he has done for so long.
Nainggolan, whose father is Indonesian, moved to Roma from Cagliari in 2014, initially on loan. He previously featured for Piacenza.