Manchester United Transfer News: Italian Agent Confirms Kevin Strootman Rumours

Manchester United have received a substantial boost in their search to sign Roma general Kevin Strootman after an Italian agent confirmed his £32 million move is on the cards.

Speaking to Italian television channel Rai Sport (h/t Metro's Jamie Sanderson), Italian agent Matteo Materazzi is alleged to have stated the transfer will go ahead in 2015:

"Manchester are one step away from Kevin Strootman. The British club will pay €40m (£32million) into the coffers of the Giallorossi."

Ivan Sekretarev/Associated Press

Strootman was being linked with an Old Trafford switch during his days at PSV Eindhoven, and now that Louis van Gaal is at the Red Devils' helm, rumours have become fiercer than ever.

Materazzi makes no mention of whether the move would come about in January or next summer, but the immediate nature of his comments would have one assume it's the former.

That being said, David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com says that Strootman isn't close to full fitness just yet, which could delay United in cutting such a sizeable deal:

Van Gaal has had to contend with some serious injury issues of his own this season, but the Dutchman is now beginning to welcome back a healthier roster, including Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Daley Blind.

The latter two midfielders are still concerns at present, but Kevin Palmer of Sunday World says Blind has just started training again, giving Van Gaal an extra face in the engine room:

Strootman's skill set is one that many United fans see as one of the final pieces of their puzzle, a tough-tackling, metronomic counterweight at their core that's been missing for years now.

What's more, Julian de Martinis of ESPN FC is adamant that while a loss for the club, Strootman's Roma exit would be acceptable if it meant the Giallorossi strengthening in more pivotal areas:

"

How many points would we lose without Strootman? Not many. How many could we gain with a striker, LB and new GK? Many more.

— Julian De Martinis (@JulianDM11) December 21, 2014"

It's been touted for some time that Strootman and Van Gaal may eventually link back up at Old Trafford, the United boss having overseen much of Strootman's Netherlands development and handed him the captaincy.

Roma president James Pallotta isn't so open to letting his talisman leave, however, and told Roma Radio (h/t 101 Great Goals) that Strootman won't be leaving in 2015:

"

Strootman will not go to Manchester United. We would be first in the league were it not for the injuries to Castan and Strootman. I think we’re a team of Scudetto and Champions League quality. Jose Holebas and Kostas Manolas are integrating well and we are firmly convinced that we will fight for the Champions League [next season].

"

United are another side hoping to make their way back into Europe and after going seven Premier League games unbeaten, there is renewed hope growing at Old Trafford once again.

Bleacher Report's Andy Brassell sees centre-back as a portion of the squad that's in more desperate need of reinforcements but does suggest the centre of midfield could be strengthened:

For several seasons now, the Red Devils have settled on numerous below-par assets to anchor their midfield, but Van Gaal would undoubtedly feel capable of coaxing the best from Strootman.

Materazzi seems certain the deal will go ahead, although those at the Theatre of Dreams will assuredly hold their share of doubt until his name appears on the dotted line.