Kevin Strootman has ‘shaken hands’ on a move to Manchester United, according to Dutch journalist Hugo Borst.

The Holland star had been linked with a move to the Red Devils earlier this year, but picked up an injury just before the start of the 2014 World Cup.

And Borst, who has recently penned a new book about Louis van Gaal, claims the 24-year-old agreed to join his countryman at Old Trafford, before the ex-Bayern Munich boss had even taken over the reins at the Premier League side.

“In the spring of 2014 there was a match between PSV and Feyenoord,” he told Hawksbee and Delaney. “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.”