• Premier League

Roma vow to keep Strootman from United's clutches

ESPN staff
September 12, 2014
Kevin Strootman has previously worked under Louis van Gaal with the Netherlands © Getty Images
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Roma have vowed to keep hold of long-term Manchester United target Kevin Strootman.

Strootman was a pivotal part of new United manager Louis van Gaal's Netherlands squad before a cruciate ligament injury last March ruled him out of their World Cup squad.

"He [Strootman] is a target, a desire for other teams but it's not our will to sell him," Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini said, looking forward to the midfielder's return.

"Strootman will be an amazing signing for Roma once he's back, when we lost him last year it was very difficult to cope.

"He has been one of our main points of strength for the majority of last year and also after his injury he played a key role.

"He has been crucial in building a very competitive team. For us Strootman is not a player we may consider to include in any transfers."

Van Gaal had reportedly targeted a £25 million swoop for Strootman in January despite signing Ander Herrera, Angel Di Maria and Daley Blind during the summer.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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