Chelsea round-up: Roma’s Radja Nainggolan discusses speculation; Tammy Abraham set for Newcastle move; swap deal for Lyon’s Corentin Tolisso

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A transfer target from last summer has discussed the speculation as Radja Nainggolan revealed that he has not spoken to manager Antonio Conte since. The Roma midfielder told Italia 1, as translated by the Daily Mail and the Express:

“I haven’t heard from Conte this year. I think he’s probably still a little angry with me about last year. At least I think he is, I don’t know. I get very fond of places and if you earn a certain respect, it’s because you’ve given them something. I am happy in Rome, I like playing where I do now and changing club often is not my style. I showed love.”

The rumours linked the tough tackling midfielder with a move to Stamford Bridge to partner N’Golo Kante in the middle of the park but such a move never materialised, with Conte resorting to using Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas.

Young striker Tammy Abraham is also subject to speculation already in this window, with the Daily Mail reporting that he is close to agreeing on a loan move to Newcastle United, which will see him test his abilities in the Premier League after impressing in the Championship on loan at Bristol City last season.

Ending the campaign as the club’s top scorer and also earning a breakthrough into the England under 21s squad, Abraham clearly has a bright future ahead of him, but is deemed not yet ready to compete for a starting spot in west London.

Another youngster, though one who has seen his progress stall slightly, is Kurt Zouma, and French publication L’Equipe claim that he could be used to manoeuvre a swap deal for Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso as they eye additions to their squad this summer.

The 22-year-old has been in impressive form with 14 goals and seven assists in 47 appearances this season for the Ligue Un club and could now make the move to England.