"?Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan, a central target of Antonio Conte's rebuilding project at Chelsea, has lifted the lid on the current situation surrounding his future, revealing that talks between the clubs have begun and he is waiting to see what happens.
"There has been contact between the clubs, but they have to find an agreement before I speak to [Chelsea]," Nainggolan is quoted as saying by GianlucaDiMarzio.com.
The combative Belgian international has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge ever since it was confirmed Conte would be taking over after Euro 2016. A £28m deal has previously been rumoured, although nothing concrete has happened just yet.
Nainggolan himself had spoken about a desire to stay in the Italian capital. That appears to still be the case, but his latest comments seem somewhat softer and a little more open to the idea of moving if Roma do accept a formal bid.
"It would be very hard to leave Italy after 11 years , I am happy at Roma. Chelsea is a great club and they want to improve their squad," he explained.
"With Conte, they have a manager who has always wanted to sign me. Let's see if a deal (between the clubs) can be made, only then will there be an official transfer."
Nainggolan, now 28 years of age, has spent his entire professional career to date in Italy. He joined the youth ranks at Piacenza from home-town club Beerschot in 2005 and later made his name in Serie A with Cagliari.
He has been a full Belgium international since 2009, and a regular since 2014, although he missed out on the World Cup in Brazil. He is, however, part of a Belgian squad expected to do very well at Euro 2016, and possibly even win it.
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