Manchester United have been handed a transfer boost after Italian club Roma refused to rule out selling the midfielder in the January transfer window.
Strootman, 24, has been injured since March after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. He faces a fight to return to the startling line-up with the trio of Daniele De Rossi, Radja Nainggolan and Miralem Pjanic.
The Old Trafford club , despite spending big on bringing Ander Herrera and Angel Di Maria in, are still chasing another big name in midfield, and see Strootman as the man to help galvanise the side’s fortunes. Boss Louis van Gaal is thought to either chase Strootman, or resume the pursuit of Arturo Vidal of Juventus when the window opens.
Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has stated that he does not want to lose Strootman, but may be forced to sell.
Speaking at a press conference, Sabatini said: “He [Strootman] is an extraordinary player, and these rumours [of his sale] have been based on the desires of other clubs.
“We want to keep him, he is our point of strength. We hope to see him back in the field with all his powers. He played an exemplary role last season.
“Of course he is unsellable, but we must contextualise that I do not say he is for sale. We receive offers, protect him and defend him, but I do not know what will happen.”
Steve Osborne @SteveOsborne23
