Reports: Manchester United open to January move for Netherlands’ Kevin Strootman

Kevin Strootman in action for Roma

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is reportedly monitoring Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman ahead of a potential move, and may even take a gamble by signing the player before he recovers from the knee injury that is keeping him out of the Netherlands World Cup squad.

Van Gaal is a known admirer of Strootman, having made him a key part of his Netherlands side, and has been heavily linked with a move for the 24-year-old central midfielder.

Reports this week had suggested that he would wait until the January transfer window to make his move, but Goal believe that Van Gaal could make a move in the summer should another club show interest.

A January move is still the preferred option for the new Manchester United manager, who has also been linked with Jordy Clasie and Bruno Martins Indi from his national side, but Goal report that he is keeping a keen eye on Strootman and could swoop if the situation develops.

A fee of £28 million has been reported for the box-to-box midfielder, who would boost United in a position in which they are currently severely lacking. Goal believe that Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger is their top target, but that Strootman is also in the frame for a move.

The Netherlands international made 25 appearances for Roma in Serie A last season before injury brought his season to a premature conclusion, scoring five goals and providing six assists.