Manchester United Transfer News: Kevin Strootman Deal Claim, Jan Vertonghen Eyed

Louis van Gaal and Kevin Strootman have "shaken hands" over a future deal which will take the midfielder to Manchester United.

That is the claim from Hugo Borst, the Dutch journalist who recently published O, Louis, a tell-all book on United's authoritative manager. Borst detailed such claims to talkSPORT:

"

In the spring of 2014 there was a match between PSV and Feyenoord. Robin van Persie was in the stands, along with Louis van Gaal. On the other side was Kevin Strootman. The pair chatted, this was when people knew Van Gaal was going to Manchester United.

Van Gaal asked Strootman whether he was interested in playing for Manchester United, and he said he was very willing. They have shaken hands on the deal. It won’t be in January but it will be next summer. He is an outstanding player.

"

Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

Speculation continues to surround Strootman's future, despite the midfielder recently missing eight months of action with a serious knee injury. Van Gaal previously provided him with ample responsibility during his time as Netherlands boss, something he appears likely to replicate at Old Trafford.

Roma have been vocal in their opposition, however. Owner James Pallotta said a transfer "is just not happening" and that English tabloids "should stop wasting paper," per Ben Smith of BBC Sport. Roma boss Rudi Garcia suggested a "three-digit" sum would be needed to secure Strootman's signature, a claim that is likely to be proven false if the two clubs begin discussing concrete numbers.

Strootman is the type of controlling midfielder United desperately need to usher calm through the centre. He is an intelligent passer, strong in the tackle and contributes to all phases of play. He certainly wouldn't be a "short-term" fix that Ed Woodward, executive vice-chairman at United, recently warned the club off as January approaches, per BBC Sport.

Burak Kara/Getty Images

Wesley Sneijder, another Dutch midfielder to be linked with Van Gaal's squad, certainly would fall into this category. Luckily for United fans, who are no doubt sick of seeing the club linked to Sneijder during most transfer windows, the player is intent on staying with Galatasaray.

His recent comments were reported by Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star:

"

I don't take any notice of these rumours. As I keep saying over and over again, I am very happy at Galatasaray, I feel at home here at the club among my friends. I have never considered leaving but the rumours continues. All I am focused on is the team.

"

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Van Gaal may be tempted to improve his poor centre-back options in January and could find success with a bid for Tottenham's Jan Vertonghen. David Kidd of the Mirror believes it's an "open secret" that the Belgian defender remains unhappy with life under Mauricio Pochettino. Football reporter Kevin Palmer suggests United's alleged interest has been obvious for some time:

Vertonghen can slot in anywhere across the back four, but most importantly, he would offer presence in the centre-back role for United. He isn't the biggest, but plays physically and in a wholehearted measure. The 27-year-old is also excellent with the ball at his feet and creative when given freedom to express himself in attacking areas.

Football writer Jonathan Wilson suggests United could go for another target in January:

United are likely to play a waiting game in January. The club will need to be opportunistic to land any players who would significantly improve the team and cannot appear desperate when trying to secure additional talent. Such an obvious yearning will only see transfer fees increased.

Van Gaal is currently making baby steps of progress at Old Trafford. A handful of world-class acquisitions could eradicate continued stumbling and provide United with the best opportunity at capturing Champions League football.