Manchester United target Kevin Strootman: Roma star 'in training and will return for pre-season'

Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman has insisted there are no long-term concerns over his fitness following claims he may never fully recover from a knee injury.

Manchester United were heavily linked with a move for the Dutch international in the summer of 2014 and again during the January transfer window but a second knee operation in 10 months raised doubts over their long-term interest.

Strootman, 25, underwent surgery after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in March 2014 but was forced to go under the knife again in January. The second operation revealed another problem however which has effectively ended his season.

Mario Brozzi, a former member of Roma's medical staff, recently raised fears over Strootman's future when he revealed prolonged complications could leave the player with "no way out" and his future in the game uncertain.

But the Netherlands international has moved to calm such fears, insisting he is already back in light training and will return for the Giallorossi's pre-season campaign.

"Contrary to reports in the media I am back in training and working hard on my comeback," Strootman tweeted.

"Please don't believe people who have never seen me in their lives, but just follow the social pages of me and AS Roma where we will keep you updated on my progress. Just for the record, I'm right on schedule to be back when pre-season starts."

Roma owner James Pallotta, who has repeatedly denied speculation of his prized midfielder leaving for Old Trafford, has also insisted there are no long-term fears over Strootman.

When asked if the player's second surgery in January had seen complications, Palotta told Italian reporters after Roma's 1-1 draw with Juventus: "Absolutely not. He was fine, he was unlucky. This injury has nothing to do with the previous one."

Strootman had initially returned to action after nine months out – which also saw him miss the Netherlands' World Cup campaign – in November 2014. However, he was forced to limp off after 35 minutes against Fiorentina on 25 January before returning to Amsterdam to undergo an operation at the end of that month.