Manchester United will have to make a stupid offer to sign their long-time target Kevin Strootman from Roma, the Italian club have stated. James Pallotta, the Roma president, said that only a huge bid would be considered for the Dutch midfielder, who is wanted by Louis van Gaal, the United manager. Strootman has been absent for most of this season because of a cruciate ligament injury, but his return to fitness will prompt Uniteds interest. Van Gaal knows the 24-year-old defensive midfielders game from his period as the Holland manager. Pallotta indicated that Roma would listen to a United offer, but did not give Van Gaal a great deal of encouragement. We want to put the best team on the pitch, thats the most important thing. But were businessmen. If someone comes in with a stupid number for a player, you have to -listen to it. You cant just say no, no matter what, Pallotta said in an interview with Bleacher Report. I dont want Kevin to go, but if someone offers a huge amount, you at least have to listen to them. It is understood that Roma would want as much as pounds 77?million for Strootman, who cost just under pounds 15?million when he moved from PSV Eindhoven two years ago. United have invested heavily since Van Gaals appointment, spending just over pounds 150?million in the past six months, but there is more rebuilding to do. As well as Strootman, United continue to be linked with their former midfielder Paul Pogba and Palermo striker Paulo Dybala. Pogba left Old Trafford for Juventus after a high-profile fallout with Sir Alex Ferguson. He blames the former manager for his departure but says he still has feelings for the club. Im impatient, Pogba, 21, told FourFourTwo magazine. It was the feeling I had. The coach [Ferguson] had faith in me but didnt put me on. He said that I was too young. He said your time will come but it never did. But it does not mean I will speak ill of Manchester United. I love the club. Dybala, a 21-year-old Argentine, has been hailed as the new Sergio Aguero, having scored nine goals in 17 appearances this season. But -Palermos president, Maurizio Zamparini, will not talk about any sale until the summer. Dybala is worth over euros 40?million [pounds 31?million] but I wont sell him until June, Zamparini said. Many foreign clubs asked after him, including Manchester United. One of Uniteds most expensive signings, Angel di Maria, has appealed for patience as Van Gaal reshapes his squad. From the start of the season to now, you can see that weve grown, Di Maria said. We werent so great at the beginning but weve started getting a few victories. Were beginning something new here. Weve got a new style, weve got a new manager and were all working hard to make sure were putting Manchester United back where it belongs.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 07:01:11 +0000
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