Manchester United Transfer News: Radja Nainggolan Rumour Suits Louis Van Gaal

Manchester United's pursuit of a top-class midfielder could be about to end if Louis van Gaal lands Roma's Radja Nainggolan in the summer.

Tom Olver of the Metro says reports from Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport believe the Red Devils will compete with Manchester City for the 26-year-old's services in a transfer battle that could eventually cost £29 million.

United's midfield has been an area of concern for both manager and supporters for some time, and LvG recently admitted to the press that he needs to reinforce his options in the centre, per BBC Sport:

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I am looking for balance and I need balance in midfield. When I play with [Adnan] Januzaj and [Angel] Di Maria in the midfield positions, then you need a certain balance for that kind of creative player.

So, when you have these creative players, and also [Radamel] Falcao and [Robin] van Persie are creative players, then you have four creative players and you have to look for balance in your team.

"

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Van Gaal has an embarrassment of attacking options, but his midfield isn't strong enough to scaffold the defence or support the strikers. 

Ander Herrera appears to be now settling into LvG's first-team plans, but the Spaniard has struggled to start games in the past few months. 

Nainggolan is a recent purchase for Roma, arriving last summer, but has seen his value explode in the absence of Kevin Strootman this term.

The Dutch player's injury has meant Nainggolan has featured heavily, playing in 33 matches across all competitions, per WhoScored.com.

And it seems the Serie A team are already prepared for life after the Belgian international's exit, with Italian journalist Dylan Fahy confirming the Giallorossi are scouting new blood:

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Nainggolan would be an interesting addition at Old Trafford, with Van Gaal landing one of the hottest properties in the Italian league.

The midfielder has spent most of his career around the country after spells at Piacenza and Cagliari, and he is certainly ready for the big lights of the Premier League.

United need a central character in the Strootman mould to bring balance to the most crucial part of the field in modern football, and Nainggolan could be a sensation in the EPL.

You can compare Nemanja Matic's capture at Chelsea to the potential of the Roma midfielder. Matic's ability to control a game from deep on the field has allowed the Blues to charge away with the title this season.

Nainggolan would allow Van Gaal to play a more attacking brand of football while he applies his high standards of defensive midfield knowledge, and United could once again flourish as an entertaining unit.

The price of £29 million is minimal outlay to attract a quality midfielder in today's market, and Nainggolan's signing could be the missing piece of the Manchester United jigsaw.