Manchester United Transfer News: Kevin Strootman, Aleksandar Dragovic Deals Eyed

Manchester United are "likely" to finally sign midfielder Kevin Strootman in the summer, according to ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney (h/t Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News).

Strootman's arrival from Roma has been touted ever since Louis van Gaal joined in the summer. The pair enjoyed a fruitful relationship during the manager's recent Netherlands tenure, with Strootman developing into a key component of the Oranje's midfield.

Delaney's comment, which was offered during a live transfer Q&A session on ESPN FC, suggested Van Gaal "wanted him this window," but "Roma [are] reluctant to play ball."

Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

Van Gaal is also linked with Dynamo Kiev centre-back Aleksandar Dragovic, a player who could ease the club's troubles in defence, as reported by Pete O'Rourke of ESPN FC. The 23-year-old is allegedly "keen on a move away from Ukraine" and could offer Van Gaal additional quality as his side go in search of a Champions League place.

Dragovic has reportedly received interest from Arsenal and West Ham United in the past, per O'Rourke, but he may find himself at Old Trafford with the Red Devils' need to strengthen growing. January additions could be key to United's progress this season, particularly as rival clubs look to be improving.

Manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed Arsenal have agreed a £15 million deal for Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista, per Kevin Palmer of the Sunday World. Southampton have already successfully welcomed forward Eljero Elia into their squad this month, while Manchester City recently captured the £28 million signing of striker Wilfried Bony.

Dragovic's qualities are highlighted below:

Premier League leaders Chelsea are said to be interested in Fiorentina's Juan Cuadrado, per Dominic Fifield of The Guardian, with United currently limited to signing goalkeeper Victor Valdes on a free. Those around the European spots are spending to improve, a tactic many United fans will hope Van Gaal employs across the remaining 11 days of the transfer window.

The manager recently suggested he is unlikely to make significant moves in the winter window, per Alex Shaw of ESPN FC:

Dragovic possesses decent experience for his age, having racked up Champions League experience with Basel, not to mention 35 caps for Austria. He's won trophies with Austria Vienna, Basel and in Kiev.

The player, who was born to Serbian parents, highlighted his admiration toward a former United captain in 2013, telling Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Charles Perrin of the Daily Express): "I hope to retrace the steps and the career of my model Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United."

Would he provide enough quality to ensure Champions League qualification? Dragovic would have to adjust immediately, so it's certainly a tall order. B/R UK's Sam Tighe and Ryan Bailey recently considered a number of other players who could improve the side's fortunes:

The rest of the transfer window is likely to be extremely nervy for United fans. Van Gaal appears confident in the players he's got and doesn't want to spend money without being absolutely certain of the quality he's bringing in.

While this means United will probably have more to spend in the summer, they could fall behind other sides aiming for a European place in the meantime.