Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has insisted he will not be joining Chelsea in the winter transfer window.
The 28-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked to a move to the Stamford Bridge and Antonio Conte is believed to be a long term admirer.
However, the Belgium international has revealed he is will be staying at Roma till the end of the season.
‘I’d rather stay at Roma until the end of the season,’ Nainggolan told Fan magazine..
‘There are no reasons to leave at the moment.’
It is believed that the midfielder is considered as a replacement for Oscar who joined Shanghai SIPG last Friday on a £60 million transfer deal.
The Brazilian star wrote a heartfelt message to the Blues Faithfuls as after he completed his move to China, he wrote on his social media account: ‘I want to thank Chelsea FC the owner and all the employees who have made my time at the club so special,
‘A very special thank you to the Chelsea fans you guys a very special and I am honoured to have been a part of your club we have won some special titles together the UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE, the LEAGUE CUP and of course PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS !!!!
‘You will always have a special place in my heart.’
Chelsea will have to turn to other transfer targets as Conte is said to be keen on signing a defensive midfielder in January.
