Radja Nainggolan Reportedly Interests Manchester United Amid Eric Dier Rumours

Manchester United have reportedly switched their attention to AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan, with Tottenham Hotspur refusing to acknowledge interest in Eric Dier. 

According to the Daily Mail's Adam Crafton, the Belgium international could cost £40 million and is said to be receptive to the possibility of a move that sporting director Monchi might also sign off on to further raise funds to improve Roma's squad, "despite publicly assuring fans the player will stay."

Dier is also a target for United, but Spurs are adamant he will not be leaving this summer.

Nainggolan turned 29 in May, but he would be a good buy for almost any top side in the Premier League.

As Squawka Football demonstrated, he excels in all departments in midfield:

The Belgian is a combative and hardworking presence in the centre, equally capable of making incisive contributions going forward and neutralising threats with his physicality and ability to regain possession for his side.

As noted by football writer Ryan Baldi, he is not a holding player despite sharing similar talents:

He would nevertheless be a superb capture for United. Football writer Tom McDermott believes he would make a fine foil to Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera:

While Nainggolan isn't one to simply sit in front of the back four; with him alongside Pogba and Herrera, United would have a midfield brimming with industry, creativity and dynamism in equal measure.

Dier would play more of a traditional holding role, allowing Pogba and Co. to make the best use of their talents further up the pitch while he protects the defence, though he's a versatile player who can also pitch in at centre-back.

The 23-year-old's passing has improved greatly in recent years, per Squawka Football and WhoScored.com:

ESPN's Alex Shaw feels United are wise to be moving on from him given Spurs' reluctance to sell, however:

Indeed, while Dier would be a good buy for United, the club would have to pay an inordinate amount of money to land him, particularly when taking into account Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy's reputation for driving a hard bargain.

Despite his age, if Nainggolan is available for £40 million—which is not an unreasonable price for a player of his calibre these days—the Red Devils should do all they can to prise him away from Roma.