Thursday 7 July 2016 12:30, UK
Chelsea's hopes of signing Radja Nainggolan have been dealt a blow after the midfielder revealed he has no intention of leaving Roma.
The Belgium international had been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer despite signing a five-year contract extension with the Giallorossi 12 months ago.
In April, Sky sources in Italy reported Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini had flown to London to discuss the potential sale of Nainggolan to Chelsea, while the player also revealed Chelsea's interest in him in June.
However, having held talks of his own with Sabatini following Belgium's Euro 2016 exit, the 28-year-old has revealed he is staying at the Stadio Olimpico.
"I met with Sabatini and everything went well," Nainggolan said. "I am staying at Roma."
Having initially joined Roma on loan from Cagliari in 2014, Nainggolan made the switch permanent in June 2015, signing a contract that runs until June 2020.
He has since played an integral role in Luciano Spalletti's side, scoring six goals in 42 appearances last season as Roma finished third in Serie A.
Nainggolan was able to transfer his rich vein of form to the international stage too, scoring twice as Belgium reached the quarter-finals at Euro 2016.
