Kevin Strootman: Roma insist 'extraordinary' Manchester United target is not for sale

The 24-year-old midfielder is highly thought of by United manager Van Gaal

James Orr
Friday 12 September 2014 09:04 EDT
Comments
Kevin Strootman in action for Roma
Kevin Strootman in action for Roma (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Manchester United target Kevin Strootman is not for sale, according to his club Roma.

The Dutch midfielder is highly thought of by manager Louis van Gaal, and is currently recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.

Reports suggested that United were preparing a January bid for the 24-year-old, but Roma have said that the player is not on the market.

"He is an extraordinary player, and these rumours [of his sale] have been based on the desires of other clubs," Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini said.

"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.

"For now we enjoy him even whilst he is injured. We are not thinking in any way of selling him, we hope to have him return. We must have patience and wait, he is a decisive player."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in