Chelsea have long been tipped to sign Nainggolan from Roma, with the midfielder nearly joining in 2016.

He only signed a new contract with the Serie A side last year but already there is talk he could be set to leave the Stadio Olympico.

And TransferMarketWeb say Chelsea are confident of signing the 29-year-old - because of his current relationship with Roma.

Nainggolan was dropped by manager Eusebio Di Francesco for their recent game against Atalanta after the boss took issue with his antics on New Years Eve.

As a result, Chelsea feel now is the time to finally secure one of their long-term targets.

TransferMarketWeb claim the Blues will try and exploit his current situation in order to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

However, Roma will prove tough negotiators with the club supposedly holding out for a £40million fee.

Nainggolan is not the only midfielder being linked with Chelsea.

The Blues are also strongly interested in Bayern Munich bulldozer Arturo Vidal, who could leave the Allianz Arena if Leon Goretzka joins from Schalke.

Meanwhile, speaking in October, Nainggolan insisted a move to Chelsea was never in his thoughts before he signed a Roma contract extension.

”Well I made my choice,” he said.

"I never hesitated or thought for a minute so it doesn't matter if it's Chelsea or anyone else.”

Nainggolan could be tempted by Chelsea having failed to win a single piece of silverware during his time in the Italian capital.