Manchester United Transfer News: Kevin Strootman Blow, Juan Mata Eyes Bundesliga

Manchester United have been dealt a big blow in their lengthy pursuit of Roma defensive midfielder Kevin Strootman, with the Dutchman saying he is happy in the Italian capital.

Louis van Gaal has long been linked with a move to sign his former international charge, per Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail, who has been out of action through injury since March but is closing in on a return.

United lost 1-0 to Manchester City on Sunday, condemning the Red Devils to their worst league start since 1986 with just 13 points from 10 games. They would likely benefit hugely from signing the excellent Strootman in January.

Jon Super/Associated Press

However, the 24-year-old has said he is looking forward to returning from injury and continuing at Roma, not moving to United.

"I feel better and better," he said, per Voetbal Primeur (via Liam Prenderville in the Daily Mirror). "I am now in training with the Roma squad and I'm happy. I want to support my team and play again very quickly."

However, conflicting reports indicate Strootman has asked Roma to negotiate with United, keeping hopes alive for the Old Trafford outfit that he may still make the switch.

Per Goal.com's Greg Stobart:

Strootman's combination of excellent defensive work and distribution along with terrific strength in the centre of the pitch would make him an ideal addition to United's struggling squad.

He could contribute in an attacking sense and most importantly protect the defence, which has really struggled so far this term.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

He will likely not come cheap, his value having increased significantly since his 2013 move from PSV for £15 million. However, United showed with their £150 million outlay in the summer that they are not afraid to spend money, and Strootman would be an excellent long-term investment.

Juan Mata had previously been reported as a potential makeweight in the Strootman deal by Stan Collymore on Bleacher Report UK:

While that seems unlikely, his current form saw him dropped for the City game, and he may feel the need to move on if he cannot tie down a first-team place.

Indeed, the presence of Wayne Rooney, Radamel Falcao, Robin van Persie, Angel di Maria and Adnan Januzaj limits the opportunities in Mata's favoured area of the pitch.

He wrote in his personal blog on Monday that he holds great admiration for the Bundesliga:

"

I kept an eye on the biggest game in the Bundesliga in the last few years: Bayern-Dortmund. Despite being at the bottom side of the table, Borussia were close to win it thanks to a goal from Reus, a player I like a lot. However, Lewandowski and Robben made the comeback possible at the very end. I like watching German football, the games use to be very entertaining and exciting.

"

Mata only arrived at Old Trafford under a year ago, but his influence has been less obvious this season, and he is too good a player not to be starting regularly.

If Strootman does indeed arrive in January, he will likely limit Mata's options further in midfield. While the Dutchman does not play in Mata's position, Van Gaal would likely adjust his system.

It may well be that Mata decides to move on to a team where his opportunities are more abundant.