Done Deal: Manchester United Manager Has ‘Shaken Hands’ To Sign A Defensive Midfielder

Hugo Borst, the writer of Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal’s autobiography has revealed that a verbal deal has been agreed between AS Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman and the former Netherlands manager.

Borst told talksport, “In the spring of 2014 there was a match between PSV and Feyenoord.

“Robin van Persie was in the stands, along with Louis van Gaal. On the other side was Kevin Strootman. The pair chatted, this was when people knew Van Gaal was going to Manchester United.

“Van Gaal asked Strootman whether he was interested in playing for Manchester United, and he said he was very willing. They have shaken hands on the deal.

“It won’t be in January but it will be next summer. He is an outstanding player.”

United have been long-term admirers of Strootman and were after him last season under David Moyes. However, Roma were able to sign him ahead of United for a fee of £14.5m from PSV Eindhoven. The 24-year old is contracted with the club until 2018 and was a key player fro Roma last season before a Cruciate ligament injury in March this year ruled him out for more than eight months. He missed the World Cup in that period too.

Strootman recently returned from injury and played his 1st game in nearly nine months against Torino a couple of weeks back. The midfielder appeared for eight minutes in the game and could start in Roma’s next game against Atalanta.

United’s interest in Strootman will grow further as midfielder Daley Blind could miss some time due to a knee injury. The summer signing from Ajax injured his knee in the international game against Latvia four days ago and was seen in a protective brace around his knee.