![CORRECTION - Roma's midfielder from Netherlands Kevin Strootman reacts after missing a shot during the Italian Serie A football match AS Roma vs Napoli on March 4, 2017 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. Napoli won 1-2. / AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [reacts after missing a shot] instead of [celebrates after scoring]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal f](https://legacymedia.sportsplatform.io/img/images/photos/003/662/992/hi-res-9e3b82c0eec2f09ca73e40a8e62a023f_crop_north.jpg?w=1280 "CORRECTION - Roma's midfielder from Netherlands Kevin Strootman reacts after missing a shot during the Italian Serie A football match AS Roma vs Napoli on March 4, 2017 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. Napoli won 1-2. / AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [reacts after missing a shot] instead of [celebrates after scoring]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal f")
Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Kevin Strootman Rumours, More
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly turned his attention to Italian club AS Roma, as the Red Devils are being linked with both Kevin Strootman and Antonio Rudiger.
According to Sky Sport Italia (h/t Metro's Mark Brus), Mourinho sees the former as the perfect midfield partner for Paul Pogba and a possible replacement for ageing veteran Michael Carrick.
United fans have gotten used to hearing Strootman's name―as noted in the report, the Dutchman has been linked with the club at length, particularly during Louis van Gaal's tenure as manager.
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Strootman was a favourite of Van Gaal when the two worked together at the national team, explaining the links. A move seemed likely for some time, but a series of severe injuries ensured the 27-year-old stayed with Roma.
The Dutchman's career seemed all but over at one point, with the injuries mounting, but somehow, Strootman has managed to make a full comeback. Here's a look at some of his highlights:
He's been one of Roma's top players this season, combining very well with Belgium international Radja Nainggolan. The latter usually soaks up the headlines with his surging runs and scoring exploits, while his partner does much of the dirty work.
He'd likely have a similar role, playing next to or behind Paul Pogba, who has many similar traits to Nainggolan. Strootman could be a very effective replacement for Carrick, but he does come with some serious red flags.
His injury history is a cause for concern, even if the Dutchman has proved he can come back from the worst of setbacks. If United want to play it safe, other options may be more advisable.
Team-mate Rudiger is reportedly also a target, with Calciomercato.com (h/t talkSPORT) reporting Chelsea and Manchester City are ready to rival the Red Devils for the Germany international.
Rumours Rudiger is looking to leave the Italian capital have been spreading for some time now, and as shared by Footy Accumulators, he has a good reason:
The former Stuttgart man was the target of more chants in the Coppa Italia match against Lazio Roma.
Rudiger returned from a knee injury in October and quickly regained his spot in the starting XI, flashing all of the talent that made the Giallorossi chase him in the first place. Here's a look at some of his highlights:
The 23-year-old is a supremely athletic defender who has learned a lot during his time in Italy. He has eliminated the mental errors that plagued him in Germany, and his tackling has become a lot more technically sound.
Per talkSPORT, Roma will hold out for a fee of more than £30 million, but given his age, athletic gifts and obvious potential, he may well be worth such a fee.
