Kevin Strootman: Will not be leaving Roma for Manchester United

Roma have reiterated that Kevin Strootman is not for sale, amid ongoing speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Manchester United.

Reports continue to suggest that United are considering a January move for the Netherlands player, who Louis van Gaal knows well from his time as boss of the national team.

Roma’s sporting director ruled out the possibility of a transfer earlier this month and general manager Mauro Baldissoni has now again made it clear that United can forget about making a bid.

Stootman, 24, is currently working on his recovery from a knee injury which has kept him out since March, and Baldissoni hopes he will be back soon.

There has been non-stop reporting in UK newspapers about Kevin Strootman and Manchester United. Kevin Strootman is not for sale and has never been discussed in that vein at Roma. They are wasting paper. Roma president James Pallotta

“We can’t wait until Kevin is back on the pitch,” he told Sky Italia.

“We miss him a lot, but he is getting closer to his return. We are proud that Kevin is part of our squad and he is not for sale.”

Roma president James Pallotta has also expressed his frustration at the transfer talk, with the most recent speculation suggesting that Strootman would cost United £60million or that Juan Mata could be included as part of any deal.

Pallotta says Roma have no interest in letting him go, adding: “There has been non-stop reporting in UK newspapers about Kevin Strootman and Manchester United.

“Kevin Strootman is not for sale and has never been discussed in that vein at Roma. They are wasting paper.

"We consider Kevin an integral, highly valued partner in our long-term plans.”

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