Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Kevin Strootman, Gareth Bale and More

Reported Manchester United target Kevin Strootman is fully focused on boosting Roma's title hopes after he returned from an eight-month absence on Sunday.

The Dutchman's long-awaited reappearance from a knee injury came during Roma's 3-0 victory over Torino, when he entered from the substitutes bench with six minutes to go, per WhoScored.com. Such an occurrence has caught the attention of the English press, with David Lynch of the Manchester Evening News suggesting United's chances of capturing the 24-year-old are "boosted" by his return.

However, Strootman was clearly impressed by the strength of Roma's squad as they continued their pursuit of Juventus, saying Roma are "stronger compared to the past season," per Roma TV (via Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio). He also thanked the fans for sending messages of support "every day" and noted the "exciting" feeling of lacing up his boots once more.

Riccardo De Luca/Associated Press

While this gives little indication toward his future, Strootman would never have returned and suggested he is soon going to leave. Louis van Gaal needs a hustling midfielder of his build—someone to control possession and aid United's efforts across the pitch—so he is likely watching on intently.

Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star believes the Premier League club sent officials to watch Strootman on his return, so it will be interesting to see whether a January bid appears.

Roma owner James Pallotta recently said the tabloids "should stop wasting paper" with a fruitless rumour, per BBC Sport's Ben Smith, indicating it will take a major effort to prise Strootman away from the Italian capital. His well-rounded qualities are highlighted below:

Similar uncertainty follows speculation around Gareth Bale, who continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, per James Dickenson of the Daily Express.

Spanish publication Fichajes (h/t Metro) suggests Bale may be offloaded so Madrid can facilitate a move for Chelsea's Eden Hazard, but the Belgian star has denied claims he is ready to secure a Bernabeu switch.

"The only club that makes me dream is Chelsea," Hazard told French television station Canal+ (translated by Dov Rawson of 101 Great Goals).

Hazard is an important part of Jose Mourinho's plans, and it's troublesome to suggest he would sell the 23-year-old, particularly if it means United benefit in the process.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Victor Valdes remains the Red Devils' most likely acquisition right now. The former Barcelona keeper is currently training with United in a bid to regain fitness and is widely regarded to be closing in on a full contract with the Old Trafford club, per Miguel Delaney of ESPN FC.

Valdes recently hinted a return to action could arrive soon:

"

Great training session Today. Almost Ready! Thanks for your supportive messages throughout these months. They have helped me a lot!

— Victor Valdes (@1victorvaldes) November 9, 2014"

He would undoubtedly be a smart signing for the Premier League side, particularly as the veteran keeper is available on a free. Van Gaal must unearth value for money in a bid to return United to the top.

Names such as Strootman and Bale will continue to be linked with the club, whether United stutter below the top four or consolidate a position in the Champions League. January needs to be busy, but whether this arrives too soon for a Strootman bid to be lodged very much depends on the player's form across the next two months. Should he hit form, expect the hype train to roll even faster.