Manchester United plan €40m bid for AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan

Manchester United are considering a move to sign AS Roma Radja Nainggolan in the winter transfer window, according to Le10Sport.

The 26-year-old has been in fine form for the Italian outfit and has featured in 18 league appearances, scoring three goals and managing one assist in the process. It is believed that Louis van Gaal wants to strengthen his side's midfield and has set his sights on signing the Belgian international.

The United manager confirmed that Darren Fletcher is closing in on completing a transfer to West Ham United. The Dutchman also revealed that star midfielder Michael Carrick will be out of action for four weeks after a muscle rupture.

Van Gaal is lacking options in the midfield position though he has the services of Daley Blind and Marouane Fellaini as the first choice players in the squad, while Wayne Rooney can also drop deep in the centre of the park.

It is believed that United are preparing a €40m bid to bring Nainggolan to Old Trafford before the transfer window closes on Monday. The Belgian joined Roma on a permanent deal last summer from Cagliari for €6m and his former club still owns 50% of his rights.

United have long been interested in signing Nainggolan's club teammate Kevin Strootman. The Dutch international recently returned from a prolonged injury layoff and is set for another long term on the sidelines, which could force the Red Devils end their interest in the midfielder.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are also keen on signing Nainggolan as they target Roma star to replace Steven Gerrard's replacement at Anfield.

Strootman's latest injury setback could see Roma keep hold of Nainggolan, who has been impressive for Stadio Olimpico outfit this season. The midfielder's club manager Rudi Garcia has heaped praise on the Nainggolan and claimed that he is an integral part of the squad for the future.

"I can say that we'll be a stronger team with Radja. He's not just a signing for the second half of the season but for the future too - we hope to be playing in Europe next year so having another quality option is a good thing," Garcia explained.

"He can play in all three midfield slots, he's an all-round player. I'd rather not change our formation but it's good to have more options. We'll be stronger with Radja for next season too."