Manchester United Transfer News: Kevin Strootman Contract Blow Reported

Reports in Italy suggest Roma are to offer Manchester United target Kevin Strootman a new deal to stay in the capital city, blocking any approach by Louis van Gaal's team.

Benjamin Newman of 101 Great Goals notes that Il Messagerro reports the Dutch midfielder will be offered improved terms by the Giallorossi to ward off any interest and will increase his current wages of €1.7 million a year. 

Roma also confirmed on Monday that the player had returned to training, posting a picture on Twitter of Strootman doing some ball work:

United had been expected to make a £30 million move for the player in the near future, per Benjamin, when Strootman recovers fully from his recent injury. 

But The Times' James Ducker and Bleacher Report's Elko Born disagree with the train of thought that the Italians will retain the player.

Both believe Roma will happily negotiate Strootman's transfer, if the deal is right for them:

Strootman's value took a huge leap 12 months ago after his fine performances in Serie A. The player featured 25 times for Roma in the Italian league in 2013-14, scoring five times, per Squawka, before serious injury ended his campaign.

Van Gaal's arrival at United once again sparked links with Strootman and, despite the continued rumours, as per the Daily Star's Colin Harvey, suggesting Arturo Vidal might join the Old Trafford club, Strootman's name has never exited the picture.

But a new deal would surely see the Netherlands international remain in Italy beyond next summer and scupper LvG's plans to acquire his signature. 

Peter Dejong/Associated Press

Despite Strootman's progression after leaving his home country, it is difficult to say whether he is really the answer for a Manchester United in full-blown transition.

The severity of Strootman's injury does not lend itself to the player coming back strongly in his initial return, with the rigours of the Premier League far outweighing those of Serie A.

Strootman would be under incredible pressure to perform at United, whereas he probably needs a more gentle introduction that Roma could provide.

But in the long term, Strootman is the kind of talent United will want to snatch. He is mobile and talented and reads the game beautifully. And when fully fit, the Premier League will be a great test for a player wanting to prove he is the best.

Vidal may still be a more credible target for United, as he has returned to playing after his own injury. But he may be more difficult to prise away from a club such as Juventus. 

Whatever happens, Van Gaal will certainly want to add a marquee midfielder to his stock in January to complement the purchases of Ander Herrera and Daley Blind, who have begun their Old Trafford careers well. 

Herrera has shown he is a player ready to take the next step up in his career, with Blind adding extra defensive steel to the side.

If LvG can find the right chemistry of a footballer to blend with these two players, United will be set to challenge on all fronts in the very near future.