Dutch midfielder Kevin Strootman could be linking up with Louis van Gaal at Manchester United after all.
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Following AS Roma’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, their manager Rudi Garcia was asked about the possibility of Strootman arriving at Old Trafford in January.
It’s safe to say Garcia didn’t give a resounding no as the rumors continue to swirl around the two-way midfielder. Strootman is expected to return to full fitness sometime in late November after a horrific ACL injury.
Here’s what Garcia told reporters.
That was hardly a “hands off”, right?
Manchester United are definitely top-heavy and need some midfield reinforcements in January to help mesh LVG’s talented, yet far too attack-minded squad together. Strootman, 24, joined Roma from PSV in 2013 for $23 million but he would now command a fee of around $45 million after several impressive displays in Serie A and for the Dutch national team when van Gaal was the manager.
United are said to be keeping a close eye on Strootman’s recovery from his ACL injury and with van Gaal’s close links to the player, the Red Devils are deemed as the favorites to nab him if they come up with the cash in January.
Strootman is known as “the Dutch Roy Keane” for his uncompromising style of play and his ability to get up and down the field, while locking down the midfield.
Doesn’t that sound like the type of player United are currently missing?