Rumour: Louis van Gaal makes Roma’s Kevin Strootman his No. 1 midfield target

Kevin Strootman shoots and scores against Napoli during their semi-final of the Coppa Italia

According to the Express, Manchester United have made Roma’s Kevin Strootman their prime midfield target, despite the fact the Dutch international will be out of action until the autumn.

Strootman succumbed to an anterior cruciate injury in March that will prevent him from playing any part in Netherlands’ World Cup campaign, with a likely return penciled in for October.

That hasn’t deterred Louis van Gaal, however, who is intent on bringing his countryman to Old Trafford on a £25 million deal.

Roma, having only signed Strootman from PSV Eindhoven last July, are desperate to keep hold of the 24-year-old, but United are hoping his close relationship with Robin van Persie will convince him to make the switch.

The Express also reports that the Red Devils have held preliminary discussions with Paris Saint-Germain over the sale of Uruguayan centre-forward Edison Cavani – although these talks are not as advanced as those for Strootman and Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels.

United are also thought to be on the precipice of bringing Luke Shaw to the club, with a deal expected to be completed in the next few days.