Manchester United Transfer News: Kevin Strootman Prefers Red Devils to Chelsea

Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman reportedly prefers a move to Manchester United, despite rumours linking him with an unlikely switch to Chelsea.

The Dutchman has continued to be touted for an Old Trafford transfer since Louis van Gaal took over. Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star believes Jose Mourinho's Blues "have entered the race" to sign Strootman, whose "preferred destination" is said to be the north.

There's multiple reasons why this might be the case. Van Gaal installed Strootman as an important pivot in his Netherlands side and is a public admirer of the 24-year-old's ability. The manager admitted he must "wait and see" how Strootman recovers from his eight-month injury before discussing the possibility of signing him, but there's an ominous sense he will eventually head to the Theatre of Dreams.

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Strootman could stroll into United's lineup. He knows how to work under Van Gaal's "philosophy" and is used to acting on orders given by the veteran boss. Michael Carrick is United's best distributor of possession, but he has been forced into a centre-back role this season due to injury problems plaguing the squad. He is also 33 and likely to begin feeling the pitfalls of age soon.

It's likely Strootman would face a much more difficult task breaking into Chelsea's team. Mourinho relies on Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas to provide quality through the centre, neither of which appear close to being dropped.

Matic is a mobile behemoth, someone who dominates aerially and with the ball at his feet. He links well with Fabregas, whose creative side is one of Chelsea's greatest assets, per Squawka:

Roma director Walter Sabatini admitted Strootman's recent return to the starting lineup was "a special day," as reported by Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia). He indicated the player will remain in the capital for some time, saying, "now he will begin again with all his quality and can really help us out this season."

Strootman's qualities are highlighted below:

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward previously admitted there is a "low probability" the club will spend when the window opens. Strootman needs to post a consistent run of form and fitness before a mega fee can be dropped, meaning it makes good sense to hold off until at least the summer.

That said, Roma could be more likely to sell quickly if they fail to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League on Wednesday night. Manchester City may significantly aid United's quest to land the player by knocking the Italians out, as reported by Simon Mullock of the Mirror.

It certainly wouldn't be beyond Mourinho to hatch a deal for Strootman—the Chelsea boss is a master at working the transfer market—but it seems the lure of Van Gaal will most likely tip this one in United's favour.