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Manchester United forced to fight Real Madrid for Roma star Kevin Strootman
MANCHESTER UNITED will go head-to-head with Real Madrid for Roma's coveted midfield star Kevin Strootman.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Madrid are poised to offer a signifiant sum in January to foil United's hopes of a swift deal.
The sum in question is believed to be £30m, a sizeable fee considering Strootman is still recovering after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.
Kevin Strootman Player Profile
United should have the upper hand in negotiations for the 24-year-old given that Strootman played under Louis Van Gaal for the Dutch national side.
Strootman was bought by Roma for £15m just over a year ago, and has been a stalwart of the Italian side ever since.
Many will question why Real Madrid would even consider bidding for the Dutch midfield enforcer.
Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modric are more than capable of protecting the back four whilst breaking up play, and picking a pass.
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