Roma are playing hardball over Chelsea target Radja Nainggolan as the two clubs are struggling to agree on a valuation of the player.

Incoming Blues boss Antonio Conte has made the midfielder one of his top summer transfer targets as he prepares to take over from interim chief Guus Hiddink.

Pictures of Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini at Stamford Bridge on Friday added fuel to the fire as Chelsea prepare for a major rebuilding project in west London.

The Serie A giants denied suggestions Sabatini was in England to discuss Nainggolan and claim he was instead at the Bridge to talk about Mohamed Salah’s status.

However, Belgian star Nainggolan remains very much on Conte’s shopping list and is a player the supremo previously attempted to sign while in charge of Juventus.

Italian newspaper Il Tempo reports that negotiations have reached a stumbling block over the fee with Chelsea around €10million short of Roma’s €45m asking price.

The newspaper goes on to claim Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Andreas Christensen could become involved in a deal as Giallorossi hold out for a lucrative deal.

GetWestLondon understands Loftus-Cheek, in particular, is seen as a key part of Chelsea’s future planning and will reject any advances for the hot prospect.

Nainggolan has three goals in 29 Serie A appearances so far this season.

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