Manchester United Transfer News: Kevin Strootman Dismisses Roma Exit Rumours

Kevin Strootman has played down rumours suggesting he could leave Roma for Manchester United.

The Dutch midfielder, who is working his way to full fitness after suffering a severe knee injury, has indicated he wishes to repay Roma for their patience.

His comments were reported by Sky Italia (h/t Sky Sports): "I’ve signed up for five years, but so far I’ve only been playing for six or seven months. I want to play and help the team. That’s important to me. If I spoke about other clubs that would be disrespectful, and I don’t want to do that."

Paolo Giovannini/Associated Press

Strootman doesn't outright confirm he isn't looking to move. Instead, he skirts around the issue by focusing on his current club. It's a fair tactic. Should United fail to make a January bid—entirely possible if Louis van Gaal is prepared to wait for the player to hit top form—Strootman won't want to have irked the Stadio Olimpico faithful by suggesting he is open to moving on.

Serie A specialist David Amoyal believes it will take time for Strootman to reach his pre-injury quality:

Roma have always denied their controlling midfielder will link up with his former Netherlands boss. The frustration of club president James Pallotta was highlighted on the side's official Twitter account in September:

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Manager Rudi Garcia previously noted a "three figure sum" is needed to secure Strootman's signature, reported by Bruce Archer of the Daily Star. Roma general manager Mauro Baldissoni recently confirmed Strootman represents the side's future, saying, "Strootman is a young player and we have a very long contract so we want to build our team around him," per Sky Sports.

Van Gaal needs to be on the lookout for an intelligent midfielder. The United boss must find someone to dictate possession, offer solid physicality and keep things moving in the centre. It won't be long before Michael Carrick's legs slow—the Englishman will be 34 by the end of the season—making Strootman a natural successor to one of the club's most important players.

Football pundit Andy Brassell only has "low confidence" of a deal going through anytime soon, as explained to B/R UK's Ryan Bailey:

The January transfer window may prove to be a month of minor improvements for United. Victor Valdes' arrival as No. 2 suggests Van Gaal is looking to fill his squad out with proven, quality players. The free transfer is a smart piece of business and doesn't dent United's transfer funds (aside from wages) to any major extent.

It is always difficult to buy and successfully integrate new stars in the winter, however. Strootman's current struggle for consistent form may be exasperated if he secures a major transfer this January. Van Gaal may wish to initiate the player across an entire summer where he could closely monitor his fitness and suitability for a starting role.

Roma are unlikely to back down until a concrete bid is made, or indeed, Strootman confirms he is looking to exit.