Manchester United Transfer News: All Signs Point to January Kevin Strootman Deal

Real Madrid are reportedly ready to rival Manchester United for the services of Kevin Strootman in January, and despite AS Roma's insistence their star is not for sale, all signs now point toward a January deal for the Dutchman.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t to AS) believes Los Blancos are eyeing the Netherlands international as they seek to add some muscle to their midfield, singling out the interest of the Red Devils as one of their biggest obstacles.

The news arrives just a week after the Daily Mirror's David McDonnell reported Strootman had parted with agent Chiel Dekker to sign with Sports Entertainment Group, the same agency that facilitated Robin van Persie's move to Old Trafford.

Roma have remained adamant they have no intention of selling their midfield star, with director Walter Sabatini comparing him to a January signing of their own, once he returns from a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury:

The Giallorossi said the same thing about Mehdi Benatia, however, who ended up joining Bayern Munich during the 2014 summer transfer window. It's an unfortunate reality for Italian football—they just don't have the financial might to turn down a significant offer.

Strootman's injury prevented a summer move, but if he can prove his health before the January window, United are ready to offer €35 million, according to AS. Add Madrid's reported interest, and the chances of Roma holding on to their midfield star become even slimmer.

Los Blancos' interest in Strootman is actually a good thing for the Red Devils. The pressure to sell from two of the best and richest clubs in the world will only weigh heavier on Roma, who will have a hard time convincing the 24-year-old to stay.

United have a much better chance of landing Strootman than Real do, however. Not only is there the obvious link with Louis van Gaal and Van Persie, but the Dutchman would virtually be guaranteed there would be a starting spot.

That's not the case in Madrid, where the triangle of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and James Rodriguez is expected to wreak havoc on opposing teams. Strootman would be brought in to add a physical presence, but there would be no guarantees as far as playing time goes.

And then there's the Radja Nainggolan factor. As shared by BT Sport's James Horncastle, the Belgian international is quickly establishing himself as one of the Giallorossi's top players in the centre of the pitch:

Nainggolan was brought in last season to fill in for the injured Strootman, and he's been nothing short of sensational in 2014-15. His emergence as a quality option at the holding midfielder position gives Roma a more than capable back-up to deal with the departure of Strootman.

So far in the 2014-15 campaign, the Giallorossi have been just fine without their Dutch talisman. If the Red Devils make their pitch in January and Strootman makes it clear he wishes to move abroad, it will be next to impossible for Roma to stop the central midfielder from joining United.

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