Manchester United Transfer News: Julian Draxler Eyed, Kevin Strootman Preferred

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Schalke starlet Julian Draxler, although it is understood a move for Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman is "more likely."

The Red Devils' link to Draxler was reported by Bild (h/t BBC Sport), perhaps to the annoyance of Arsenal supporters, who have watched on as the north London side's potential interest has failed to develop since January. 

Paul Clennam and Hassan Talib Haji of Goal.com provided the suggestion that Draxler "is not understood to feature highly" on Louis van Gaal's list of transfer priorities, despite United's interest. As mentioned above, they assert that Strootman is the most probable addition, while also mentioning that Sami Khedira could head to Old Trafford.

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On the evidence of United's play this season, Van Gaal would be wise to attain defensive midfield reinforcements over someone with the attacking flair of Draxler. While versatile, the 21-year-old isn't the holding presence United desperately need. He is more likely to burst into the box or launch a stinging shot from range than control the flow of possession in front of Van Gaal's defence.

Draxler has made seven Bundesliga appearances this season, scoring twice and assisting one, per WhoScored.com. He has attempted an average of two shots per game, completed 2.6 dribbles and completed 73 percent of his passes. Compare this to his defensive stats—one tackle and 0.6 interceptions on average per domestic appearance—and Draxler's attacking nature is underlined.

Football analyst Janusz Michallik highlighted Draxler as one of Europe's most exciting prospects ahead of the season:

United are crammed with talent who can impact matches in the opposition's half. However, while Draxler would be a luxury signing, he could also be seen as a successor to Wayne Rooney.

He is powerful, possesses a turn of pace and is a more instinctive passer than the Englishman. Juan Mata's lack of physicality has often seen him suffocated in the No. 10 role, meaning Draxler could be purchased as an alternative.

Van Gaal's attention must focus on bringing in a Strootman or Khedira type, though. Daley Blind and Ander Herrera have proven useful in central midfield, with the former working particularly hard to shield the defence. Blind was an economical buy until a more expensive target can be ascertained, but he is someone whose doggedness and versatility will continue to endear him to the United fans.

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Michael Carrick's return from injury will aid the midfield, but at 33, the Englishman is on a downhill slope. United need the long strides of Strootman—a key player during Van Gaal's reign with the Netherlands—to cover ground and dictate the tempo ahead of the back four.

Of course, it may be far more difficult to land the Dutch midfielder. Roma owner James Pallotta recently reiterated that Strootman won't be sold. "It is just not happening," he said, per Ben Smith of BBC Sport. "I have told the papers that they should stop wasting paper. We don't have any interest in selling Kevin."

Khedira is available on a free at the end of the season, reported by Richard Arrowsmith of the Daily Mail, so could offer an uncostly alternative if a deal for Strootman can't be reached.

Van Gaal has options, plenty of cash and the need to improve. As such, we can expect United's squad to continue developing over the next year.

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Draxler doesn't seem an obvious fit right now, particularly as the German has suffered stints of poor form since being linked with Arsenal, and it is best for his progress if he continues to hone his skills in Germany.

Van Gaal is likely to target more complete products in the meantime, those who can immediately plug gaps, which makes other options far more sensible.