Manchester United transfer news: Kevin Strootman can leave Roma says president - but only for a 'stupid' fee

The midfielder is wanted at Old Trafford

Simon Rice
Thursday 15 January 2015 08:04 EST
Comments
Kevin Strootman
Kevin Strootman (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.

Manchester United can sign Kevin Strootman this month, however Roma will only let him go if they receive a "stupid" bid.

Louis van Gaal is keen to sign the Dutch midfielder who only recently returned to action after a cruciate ligament injury. With the 24-year-old's fitness building up, so is the expectancy that Manchester United will make a move.

Van Gaal has spoken in the past about the defensive midfielder, admitting he would be monitoring his return.

"We have to wait and see how he comes back," said the former Netherlands manager.

"It is not easy to say how he comes back from injury, but we will wait and see."

Strootman has now made five appearances for Roma and a move from Manchester United could be forthcoming. And it seems Roma will listen to any offers according to James Pallotta, the Serie A club's president. Yet that doesn't mean they'll be letting the player leave cheaply.

“We want to put the best team on the pitch, that’s the most important thing. But we’re businessmen. If someone comes in with a stupid number for a player, you have to listen to it. You can’t just say ‘no, no matter what’,” Pallotta said, in an interview with Bleacher Report.

“My view is that I don’t want Kevin to go, for example, but if someone offers a huge amount, you at least have to listen to them. You’re running a team, so you have to look at what’s best for everyone, not just one individual. That’s the way the world works.”

Manchester United have the same number of points as they had at this stage last season, highlighting a lack of improvement despite a huge outlay on players under Van Gaal. The Dutch manager has indicated he is keen to spend more to try and take the club forward.

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