Rumour: Manchester United's offer for Dutch midfielder snubbed

Reports emanating from Italy suggest that Manchester United had a January bid rejected for Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman. Withreports arguing that Manchester United boss David Moyes had a bid of €25m (£20.8m) rejected for the Dutchman in January, with Roma said to be holding out for a fee closer to £33 million.

United’s interest reportedly resurrects interest that stretches back to last summer,when Strootman moved from PSV Eindhoven to Roma.

However it appears that United’s valuation of Strootman is considerably lower than Roma’s, with Italian media suggesting that Roma “wouldn’t even sit down” at the negotiating table for a fee of less than €40m (£33m).

Strootman has made 20 appearances for Roma in Serie A this season, scoring five goals and providing six assists from his central midfield position. Despite smashing their transfer record to sign Juan Mata from Chelsea, United are still eager to bolster their midfield in the summer.

However a return for Strootman may be unlikely, with his agent Chiel Dekker denying that his client wants to leave the Italian side.

“Kevin is very happy in Rome and his plan is to stay there for a long time,” said Dekker.

“He is well, while he likes both the club and the city.”