Chelsea are interested in signing Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan. The Roma man has been one of the most consistent performers in recent seasons and Chelsea see him as the ideal player to provide drive and dynamism to their midfield.
A delegation from Roma consisting of director of football Walter Sabatini and agent Remy Abbas visited Stamford Bridge to discuss Mohamed Salah and Nainggolan, both whom Abbas represents.
Reports have also suggested that Abbas will be involved in brokering any deal for the Belgian international. Antonio Conte who will be the new Chelsea manager this summer is supposed to be a huge admirer of Nainggolan’s talents.
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Conte has reportedly already drawn up a list of transfer targets where Nainggolan and his team-mate Kostas Manolas feature.
Chelsea declined to comment on the meeting and any move for the Belgian is set to involve a fee of around €35 million.
Mohamed Salah who has settled in very well in Roma could make his move permanent at the end of the season.
Hiddink says Conte is facing a tough challenge at Chelsea
Having endured a tough season which saw the sacking of Jose Mourinho, Chelsea currently sit 10th on the table and are 10 points behind fourth place and 15 points behind first placed Leicester City. Hiddink added that while he thinks Conte will face a tough task in bringing Chelsea back to the top, it’s something he believes the Italian is capable of doing.
"There’s an extra complication,” he said.
“When I came here the first time in 2009 the team was firm, regarding the personalities. The players knew the culture of English football and the club such as Lampard, Terry. Now it's a bit different and that won't be easy.
"It's a big job regardless of the circumstances Chelsea have been in this year. He is equipped, able and used to the pressure which is always on at big clubs to win titles."
Hiddink, who has not lost a game since he took over from Jose Mourinho in December, will travel to Swansea tomorrow night without injured John Terry, Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matic, while Diego Costa is suspended. Looking to finish the season on a high, Hiddink said he would need to field a team consisting of youth with his regular starters out injured.
“We have a few injured players, so we will bring in some youngsters," he said.
