Manchester United transfer news: Kevin Strootman can leave Roma says president - but only for a 'stupid' fee
The midfielder is wanted at Old Trafford
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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.
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