AS Roma Midfielder Kevin Strootman Coy on Manchester United Rumours

Manchester United have a ray of hope in signing Kevin Strootman after the midfielder remained silent when asked about his future at AS Roma.

The 24-year-old has been a reported target for the Red Devils as their manager Louis van Gaal is keen on bringing the Netherlands international to Old Trafford when the transfer window opens in January.

The Dutch international picked up a knee injury earlier in March, which saw him miss out on chance for a place in the Dutch squad during the summer World Cup in Brazil. The defensive midfielder will be out of action till autumn and is working hard to make a return.

"Immediately after the knee surgery I had only one goal in mind. I want to return to the pitch as soon as possible, but only when I am 100% fit and useful to the team. I train every day to become stronger and stronger," Strootman explained.

Despite the Dutch midfielder's latest comments, Roma owner James Pallotta had reiterated his side's desire to keep Strootman at Stadio Olimpico. Pallotta has stressed the United target will continue with his current employers even after the end of the January transfer window.

"It is just not happening. I have told the papers that they should stop wasting paper. We don't have any interest in selling Kevin," Pallota told BBC.

"Obviously as business people when people call us and say 'we want your player' you are going to listen to them."

"You have to do that, that is the business side. That doesn't mean you are going to make a decision that [an offer of] £75m, bang you hit the bid. That is not the way it is going to work, it is not the way it does work with us," the Roma owner concluded.

United currently have Daley Blind playing in the holding midfield position with Michael Carrick on the sidelines. The England international is likely to be included in the squad when the Red Devils face West Bromwich Albion in the next league clash.

The addition of Strootman to United's midfield will only strengthen the squad and also provide more cover to the back four.