Reports: Manchester United edge closer to signing 29-year-old superstar

What's the story?

Manchester United have made a stunning start to their 2017/18 season, but manager Jose Mourinho still believes that their squad can be strengthened further. With Michael Carrick now 36 and reaching the fag end of his career, the Portuguese manager has reportedly made Roma star Radja Nainggolan as his prime target.

The 29-year-old midfielder has long been linked with a move to the Premier League and now latest reports in The Sun claim that Mourinho has earmarked both Nainggolan and Antoine Griezmann as potential future arrivals to Old Trafford.

The Manchester United manager had reportedly sent scouts to watch the Champions League game between Atletico Madrid and Roma and reports from there have convinced him that Nainggolan is the ideal long-term replacement for Michael Carrick.

In case you didn't know...

Nainggolan is one of the most underappreciated midfielders in world football at the moment

A key member of the Roma squad, Nainggolan has been one of Serie A's most consistent performers in the last few seasons. Capable of contributing both in attack and defence, the Belgian's ability to fight for the ball and his tackling attributes make him a valuable addition to Manchester United.

Also, Jose Mourinho is reportedly a huge fan of the 29-year-old and the 'special one' is keen on making Nainggolan a Manchester United player as soon as possible.

The heart of the matter

Although Manchester United's midfield looks much better after the arrival of Nemanja Matic, Carrick's age and uncertainty about Ander Herrera's future has got Manchester United looking for a new player in the centre of the park.

An all-action player, Nainggolan seems ideally suited for both the Premier League and Mourinho's style of play and it will be interesting to see if the Manchester United manager does indeed push for the signature of the Roma superstar.

Video

Videos of welcoming him to Manchester United have already become popular on YouTube

Author's take

One of the most complete midfielders in the game, Nainggolan has long been linked with a move to the Premier League. Mourinho has an uncanny knack of getting the best out of the players he likes and Nainggolan's potential move to Old Trafford could suit both the player and the Red Devils.