Manchester United Transfer News: Kevin Strootman Reportedly Keen on Move

Manchester United have been handed a boost in their hunt to sign Roma anchorman Kevin Strootman after the midfielder spoke of his deep connection with Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal.

The former Netherlands coach has mentored Strootman during the early phases of his international career, and the Daily Star's Nick Lustig reports that Roma owner James Pallotta is aware Strootman is "keen" to be reunited with the United boss: "Pallotta could be fighting a losing battle with Strootman known to be keen on a move to Old Trafford and a reunion with former Netherlands boss Van Gaal."

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Strootman has previously spoken of the "obligation" he feels to impress Van Gaal in O, Louis, a new biography about the tactician (h/t Manchester Evening News' David Lynch): "With him looking on, whether it’s during a training session or in a packed stadium, it’s not a matter of me wanting the ball. No, I’ve got to have it. It is mine. It’s like an obligation I have to Van Gaal."

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It aptly details the mindset of a player United have been lacking in their midfield for some years now, a passion to dictate play that hasn't always been evident at Old Trafford of late.

Lustig writes that it would cost United £30 million to lure the Dutchman, still on the road to recovery after suffering a serious knee injury last season.

The Guardian is also cited in stating Van Gaal will continue to monitor his former Oranje disciple in the run-up to the January transfer window, although there's no guarantee the Giallorossi will be willing to sell one so valuable.

Julian de Martinis of ESPN FC reports that Strootman is moving closer to full fitness, improving any hopes the Red Devils may have of acquiring his services next year:

"

Strootman and Castan trained with the team today. Light finally at the end of the tunnel?

— Julian of Hiatus (@JulianDM11) November 19, 2014"

Strootman made his Serie A return against Torino in early November after eight months on the sideline, but he will be handled with care as he goes about his recovery.

Central midfield has long been a problem area for the club, with Daley Blind and Ander Herrera brought in over the summer to provide fresh competition in the middle of the park.

However, inconsistency and the improving form of Marouane Fellaini has led to a mix of positives and negatives for Herrera, whom Spanish outlet Fichajes.net (via Metro) reports could even make for a premature Old Trafford exit this January:

United need help in all areas at present. A glut of defensive injuries has seen them leak 14 goals in 11 Premier League games this term, scoring just 14 in the process and gleaming neither in attack nor defence.

Rob Dawson joined Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey to discuss where United go without Blind in their line-up:

The lack of a recognisable midfield general at their heart is a piece of that formula, too, with teams no longer afraid to take on the Manchester United challenge.

Van Gaal is well educated on Strootman's ability, and he would appear to be as keen on his talent as predecessors Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes once were.

However, Rudi Garcia isn't likely to let his enforcer leave without a fight, but Strootman's apparent open-mindedness toward a switch will help their plight dramatically.