United and Arsenal In Pole Position to Sign Dutch Star - Report

Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal are battling it out to sign PSV Eindhoven midfielder Kevin Strootman, according to the Sun.

The 22-year-old Dutch midfielder had a blistering start to his career at PSV since arriving from Utrecht in summer 2011, and has caught the eye of many European clubs.

Sir Alex Ferguson signed Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell in the summer, but the Scot is still relying heavily on Paul Scholes to fill United's deep-lying central role. Arsene Wenger sold Alex Song to Barcelona and allowed youngster Emmanuel Frimpong to go on loan, leaving few options at the base of the Gunners' midfield.

Speaking about Strootman's future, a senior PSV source told The Sun: "It looks certain that he will leave in January. The only question is where? It looks like Manchester United or Arsenal -they are both very keen."

Earlier, Strootman's agent Chiel Dekker revealed his client's desire to play in top European leagues and suggested Strootman could leave PSV when the transfer window opens next month.

"Strootman has had a good time in Eindhoven, but he decided that he wants to prove himself in a better league. If an agreement is able to be reached with a potentially interested club, PSV will allow Kevin to leave in January," Dekker said.

The 22-year-old has been linked with several clubs in recent times, with Tottenham, Liverpool and AC Milan all interested.

Meanwhile, United's unsettled winger Nani could be offered to Arsenal in a swap deal to bring Theo Walcott to Old Trafford when the transfer window opens next month.