Kevin Strootman: Roma insist 'extraordinary' Manchester United target is not for sale

The 24-year-old midfielder is highly thought of by United manager Van Gaal

Kevin Strootman in action for Roma (GETTY IMAGES)

The Manchester United target Kevin Strootman is not for sale, according to his club Roma.

The Dutch midfielder is highly thought of by manager Louis van Gaal, and is currently recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.

Reports suggested that United were preparing a January bid for the 24-year-old, but Roma have said that the player is not on the market.

"He is an extraordinary player, and these rumours [of his sale] have been based on the desires of other clubs," Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini said.

"We want to keep him, he is our point of strength. We hope to see him back in the field with all his powers. He played an exemplary role last season.

"Of course he is unsellable, but we must contextualise that I do not say he is for sale. We receive offers, protect him and defend him, but I do not know what will happen.

"For now we enjoy him even whilst he is injured. We are not thinking in any way of selling him, we hope to have him return. We must have patience and wait, he is a decisive player."