Manchester United Transfer News: Kevin Strootman 'Not for Sale' State Angry Roma

Roma general manager Mauro Baldissoni has confirmed Manchester United are yet to make contact over the possible transfer of Kevin Strootman, a player who is "not for sale."

The Italian supremo also suggested owner James Pallotta is growing irritated of such rumours filling the gossip columns. 

"This is something I keep reading every day and this is also something our president doesn't like to read every day," revealed Baldissoni to Sky Sports News TV channel. "He made a statement a few weeks ago saying that Kevin is not for sale."

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Bryan Swanson of Sky Sports provided further comments:

When asked whether he is expecting contact, Baldissoni stated, "I don’t have a clue. This is something you should ask Mr (Louis) van Gaal or Mr (Ed) Woodward. We don’t think of selling our best players."

Louis van Gaal continues to be linked with a move for Strootman, reported by Barry Glendenning of The Guardian, perhaps more feverishly now the Dutch midfielder is back in first-team action after eight months out with injury.

Reports suggest Roma's exit from the Champions League could speed things up, noted by Simon Rice of The Independent, but the Italian side remain resolute when discussing the potential sale of their classy midfielder. Strootman's qualities are highlighted below:

Pallotta previously indicated a transfer is "not happening" and that the English press should "stop wasting paper" with stories about Strootman. Roma coach Rudi Garcia claimed only a "three-digit" sum would tempt the club into cashing in, a number which would place the player among football's most expensive.

This is obviously something United are unlikely to entertain, particularly as Strootman's form has been poor since returning from his knee problem. Van Gaal has proven willing to spend mega cash on individuals—United will still be counting the £59.7 million dropped on Angel Di Maria—but even at his best Strootman isn't worth anywhere near this kind of money.

Of course, all of Roma's public comments on the situation could be classed as tactical. The Italian club are unlikely to hold onto their star if a concrete bid is lodged, particularly if Strootman confirms he wants to leave. It's perhaps appeasing to fans if the board show resistance before inevitably accepting a sum that makes sense for all.

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Alex Shaw of ESPN FC believes the transfer is ominous, although Van Gaal may wait until the end of the season to act:

United's form has improved since Michael Carrick, a Strootman-type dictator of possession, returned to the lineup. A run of five consecutive Premier League wins has pushed United into third ahead of Sunday's clash with Liverpool, but the side's central midfield area struggled to deal with the intensity of Southampton during their previous fixture.

Liverpool suffered a similar fate against Basel on Tuesday. This area will be key at Old Trafford and could sum up exactly why Strootman is reportedly craved by Van Gaal.

Although contact is yet to be made, United can be sure of facing difficult negotiations to the very last if Strootman becomes a legitimate target.