Manchester United target Kevin Strootman: Roma 'angry' over midfielder transfer speculation

Roma CEO Mauro Baldissoni has hit out over continued speculation linking Kevin Strootman with a January move to Manchester United.

Netherlands international Strootman remains intensely linked with a move to Old Trafford despite Roma repeatedly warning the Premier League side they will not listen to offers for the powerful midfielder.

A cruciate knee ligament injury suffered in March prevented United boss Louis van Gaal from bidding for the player during the summer transfer window but his recent return, coupled with Roma's exit from the Champions League, has fuelled talk of an imminent offer from Manchester.

"Strootman? We have already expressed our positon," Baldissoni told Radio Anch'lo Sport. "Our president [James Pallotta] gets angry on a daily basis over reports that we want to close the sale to Manchester United.

"Our policy is to invest in quality players who have room for improvement. Kevin is a young player, experienced, and we want to bass our future on players like him."

Strootman was an unused substitution in Roma's 1-0 win over Genoa on Sunday 14 December but made his first start in 10 months in the 2-2 draw with Sassuolo on 6 December.

While the Dutchman has been reluctant to openly discuss his future, Roma's hierarchy have shown zero indication suggesting they are willing to do business with United. Club owner Palotta made his stance abundantly clear in the summer, stating even an offer of £75m would not be enough to prise the player away from the Stadio Olimpico.

Following Roma's failure to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League at the hand of Manchester City, Baldissoni also rubbished suggestions their relegation to the Europa League will weaken their negotiating position.

"I don't know [if United will now bid for Kevin now Roma are out of the Champions League] this is something you need to ask Van Gaal or Mr Woodward," he said. "We're not thinking of selling our best players."