Italian agent Matteo Materazzi claims that Manchester United and AS Roma have reach an understanding over the transfer of Kevin Strootman, with the Dutch midfielder set to complete a £32 million switch to Old Trafford in January.
Roma have so far managed to remain firm in their resolve to not sell Strootman despite the midfielder attracting the attentions of a lot of top clubs, including Chelsea.
Earlier there were reports of Manchester United offering a fee of around £30 million to secure the services of Dutchman in January, but the Serie A side had laughed off suggestions of such an offer, insisting that Strootman was worth much more than that figure.
However, Roma now seem to have changed their mind as Materazzi claims that Strootman's £32 million switch to Old Trafford is almost done, and the two parties are just chalking out the finer details of the deal.
"Manchester are one step away from Kevin Strootman," said Materazzi, according to the Daily Star. "The British club will pay €40m [£32m] into the coffers of the Giallorossi [Roma]."
Strootman's addition to the squad would certainly be a big boost to the Red Devils as the Dutchman is familiar with van Gaal's playing style and philosophy, having worked under the former Barcelona boss in the Dutch national team.
Van Gaal is a huge fan of the midfielder as the 24-year-old is known to be a solid figure in the middle of the park, dictating the game and breaking up play when required.
The 63-year-old Manchester United manager would have probably brought in the midfielder to Old Trafford last summer, but Strootman suffered a serious knee injury in March, which sidelined him for well over half a year.
However, van Gaal seems to have finally landed Strootman, who has now fully recovered from the knee injury, making his comeback in the Roma side a few weeks ago.
