Strootman's potential move to Manchester United moved a step closer today after an esteemed Italian football agent reported just how close the Dutch international was to signing for the Old Trafford club.
The midfield hard man has been a target for United since Van Gaal was appointed manager in the summer, with the former Netherlands boss publicly admitting his admiration for Strootman on a number of occasions.
Throughout previous months reports have suggested that the AS Roma linchpin had all but accepted a move to United, even with Roma's stern 'not for sale' comments, and now with respected agent Matteo Materazzi's comments when speaking to Rai Sport (via Metro) a deal looks almost guaranteed.
‘Manchester are one step away from Kevin Strootman,’
‘The British club will pay €40m (£32million) into the coffers of the Giallorossi.’
Source: DSG