Manchester United target Kevin Strootman: Roma midfielder to undergo second knee surgery

Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman will undergo another knee operation in a move that could end Manchester United's pursuit of the midfielder.

Strootman, 24, spent nine months on the sidelines and missed the Netherlands' World Cup campaign after rupturing his knee ligaments in March last year.

He returned to first-team action in November but in the 34<sup>th minute of his side's 1-1 draw with Fiorentina on Sunday 25 January, the Dutchman was substituted after appearing to aggravate the problem.

Roma boss Rudi Garcia was quick to play down the severity of the problem and Strootman has explained the upcoming surgery is nothing serious.

Following the club's confirmation, Strootman tweeted: "There is a lot of speculation in the media about me and I would like to explain to all the fans what the real problem is.

"In the match v Fiorentina I got the knock on my left knee. It is bruised and therefore I should rest my knee for a couple of weeks. This gives me the opportunity to remove some scar tissue which has bothered me a bit after the last surgery and this will help me further in getting back to my old level.

"It is nothing serious and I will be back on the pitch as soon as possible."

Despite still being in recovery at the time, Strootman was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window, with United manager Louis van Gaal reportedly identifying the player as a priority signing for his midfield.

Talk of a bid persisted into the season under the assumption that United would monitor his return to first-team action with the Giallorossi in order to determine his long-term fitness.

Any offer for the Dutchman is now almost certain to wait until this summer's transfer window, where United have been tipped to launch another spending spree in order to bridge the gap between themselves and Chelsea and Manchester City.