Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Kevin Strootman, Victor Valdes, More

Manchester United's snatch-and-grab victory over Arsenal should provide Louis van Gaal's men with plenty of confidence heading into home fixtures with Hull and Stoke, but defensive reinforcements continue to dominate the club's January transfer rumours.

Kevin Strootman, Victor Valdes, Seamus Coleman and Miranda are heavily linked with the club, despite executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward recently admitting there's a "low probability" United will spend when the winter market opens, per James Tuck of the club's official website.

Dutch journalist Hugo Borst, author of the new book O, Louis, previously revealed Van Gaal and Strootman "have shaken hands" on a summer deal to bring the midfielder United's way, reported by talkSPORT.

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Roma have always denied Strootman will leave, but Van Gaal's recent non-committal to the subject will have United supporters excited in anticipation a deal can be agreed. "I cannot discuss players with the media," said van Gaal, per Tuck. "I'm sorry, I cannot answer this question. And not only Strootman but all the players in this world. I cannot discuss it with you."

However, Van Gaal did admit "if you buy a player, he has to be better than what you already have in your squad." Strootman is certainly a greater defensive midfielder than United currently possess. His qualities are highlighted below:

Strootman offers precise passing and strong tackling skills, bringing a well-rounded balance to both his club and the Dutch national team when fully fit. Roma boss Rudi Garcia claimed a "three-digit sum" would be needed to secure Strootman's signature, a ludicrous idea Van Gaal is unlikely to entertain in January.

Defensive reinforcements could be crucial to United's season. Valdes remains available on a free and would be an excellent alternative to the formidable David De Gea, who recently impressed against Arsenal, per Squawka:

A report in the Daily Star indicates Valdes' knee injury "is worse than first feared," meaning he cannot play "until December at the earliest." This is fine if De Gea remains fit—the Spaniard has arguably been United's most important player so far this season—but few fans will want to see Anders Lindegaard or Ben Amos between the sticks if he falls victim to injury.

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Neil Moxley of the Sunday People (h/t the Mirror) suggests Lindegaard is destined to leave in a swap deal for Molde's Orjan Nyland when the window opens. Lindegaard's future appears bleak and he could be the first one pushed through the exit as Van Gaal aims to revamp his defence.

Everton right-back Coleman is said to be an expensive option for the manager, reported by Anthony Chapman of the Express.

It is alleged a £25 million offer would see Coleman sold to United or Chelsea, but this is a costly amount for the 26-year-old who has suffered a slew of injury problems this season. Coleman is arguably the Premier League's most impressive full-back when fit and in form, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Van Gaal monitor his progress this campaign.

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Hull's Andy Robertson is reportedly a £12 million target on the opposite side of defence, per Chapman. Tigers boss Steve Bruce recently admitted a big-money move "might become inevitable" for the impressive 20-year-old. United invested heavily in left-sided defenders Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo during the summer, however, with central defence remaining the most important area to galvanise.

Reports suggest Atletico Madrid's Miranda is back on the side's radar, per Spanish publication Fichajes (h/t Alex Harris of the Daily Star). The Brazilian was linked to United during the summer, and at a reported £20 million, would be an expensive 30-year-old buy for the club.

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United's form heading into Christmas is likely to dictate how Van Gaal spends.

Should the side lose momentum in their battle to regain Champions League football, it's likely a push will be needed in the transfer market. Should the side continue to progress after beating Arsenal—and remain clear of injuries—investments are likely to be saved until the campaign's end.