Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Kevin Strootman, Paulo Oliveira Rumours

Kevin Strootman is set to be handed a new deal at Roma in what would be a blow to Manchester United's reported long-term pursuit of the player.

According to the Serie A team's president, James Pallotta, the midfielder will soon earn a extended contract with the club, despite his injury woes. 

As noted by Uche Amako of the Daily Express, the Red Devils have long been linked with a move for the Dutch international. 

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However, despite being sidelined with longstanding fitness concerns, Pallotta revealed the Giallorossi are intent on keeping him in the capital.

“I have never had a discussion regarding Kevin leaving,” said Pallotta on a question and answer session on his Facebook, per Amako. “In fact, we extended his contract as a sign of how we feel about him. In numerous discussions with Kevin, the only thing he continually repeats to me is how much Roma has done for him and he hasn't been able to do the same for Roma.”

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The Netherlands man, who was made captain of the national side by current United boss Louis van Gaal during his stint in charge of the team, had a third operation on his troublesome knee issue in September. Despite the operation been proclaimed as a success, he’s set to be out of action for a few more months yet.

As we can see here, at his best, Strootman is a force of nature in the middle of the park for the Italian outfit:

While rumours have always lingered about Van Gaal making a move for the player, Roma is the best place for him as he continues his rehabilitation process.

Credit must go to the Serie A outfit, too, who have preserved an unshakable faith in the midfielder that eventually he will return to the marvellous standards he showcased in 2013-14.

Whether United’s interest remains quite as strong in the wake of these injury woes is another matter. After all, as good as Strootman is at full tilt, he’s missed a lot of football in the past couple of seasons, and it’s tough for players who have endured such poor injury fortunes to ever completely recapture their very best.

Oliveira discusses United Interest

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Sporting Lisbon defender Paulo Oliveira has spoken out about links to Manchester United, insisting he’s flattered to be touted as a potential target for the Red Devils.

The centre-back has started the season in excellent form for the Portuguese giants and was quizzed about United’s interest on Antena 1 (h/t George Bellshaw of Metro).

“It’s a good sign,” said the 23-year-old. “I do not know about the facts but above all, it’s good to know that your work is being assessed. I have to continue to work harder and not fall asleep.”

Here’s a look at why Oliveira has been catching the eye for the Lisbon-based side:

There’s a definitely a lot to like about the defender. Oliveira, who has been central to Sporting beginning the 2015-16 season unbeaten, is a technical player who distributes the ball well from deep positions. He’s uncompromising, too, never one to shirk a tackle or duck out of an aerial challenge.

Portuguese football journalist Jan Hagen agreed Oliveira has a lot of talent, but he hinted it could be a bit too early for him to be making such a significant move:

United’s defence does remain a cause for concern. The Red Devils are currently going with Chris Smalling and Daley Blind as their starting centre-backs, and while the former is burgeoning into a classy operator, the latter is not a long-term solution.

Cover in the position, with Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo as back-up options, doesn’t inspire much confidence, either.

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Even so, Oliveira would be better off staying at Sporting for a while longer yet. He’s made positive strides as of late, nailing down a regular spot in what is a team bristling with young talent.

If he continues to preserve these lofty levels, interest from big names will continue, but the defender will emerge a better overall footballer if he keeps getting regular minutes.