05.01.2018 15:38 h

Chinese target Roma bad boy Nainggolan

Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande are reported to be targetting troublesome AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan, who was dropped from Serie A action this weekend in punishment for his rowdy New Year's Eve celebrations.

The 29-year-old Belgian international received a hefty fine and will sit out Saturday's game against Atalanta after posting a video of himself smoking, drinking and swearing on New Year's Eve.

"I'll talk about Nainggolan right away before you ask me," coach Eusebio Di Francesco told Friday's pre-match press conference.

"In accordance with the line dictated by the club and agreed by me and Nainggolan, the player won't be called-up for the Atalanta match tomorrow (Saturday)," said the Roma coach.

"This is linked to a way of behaving which must be consistent for everyone.

"Those who make mistakes will pay for them, these things are unacceptable and anyone who steps out of line in the least will pay for it in the same way."

Gazzetta dello Sport reported Friday that Fabio Cannavaro's Guangzhou Evergrande are ready to offer 40 million euros ($46 million) to bring the talented midfielder to the Chinese Super League.

The Belgian has in the past rejected moves away from the Italian capital to clubs including Chelsea and Juventus.

Roma are said to want at least 50 million euros for the player who has become one of the best central midfielders in Italy since his move from Cagliari, after an initial loan spell, in 2014, with his contract running until 2021.

Nainggolan had apologised for his video which went viral. "I saw it as a special night, where it is OK to be a little more excessive, but of course I did not want to set a negative example."

Roma -- fourth in Serie A -- host Atalanta on Saturday trying to keep in touch with leaders Napoli and Juventus.