Old Trafford side set to snap up long term target.
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Man United are set to complete the signing of long term target Kevin Strootman after the Old Trafford side agreed on a £17.5m fee with PSV Eindhoven for the young Dutch international.
The 23 year old midfielder has long been linked with a move to Man United and Sir Alex Ferguson had the player scouted extensively throughout the season and incoming boss David Moyes is also said to be keen on acquiring the box to box performer.
PSV Eindhoven boss Dick Advocaat has publicly stated that it would be in Strootman’s own best interest to leave the confines of the Dutch Eredivisie to fully capitalize on his obvious potential with the former national team boss stating earlier this month;
“For PSV it would be good if he stays, but for Strootman himself it’s better to leave,”
“He’s the reserve captain of the Dutch national squad and PSV will make another step next season.
“This guy fits everywhere. He’s a fantastic player because he knows exactly what his qualities are.”
Having seen his side once again pipped to the title by Ajax Strootman is thought to have demanded that PSV considers offers from prospective suitors and the Eindhoven side have now seemingly agreed to his demand, deeming an offer of €20m (£17.1m) to be acceptable, leaving Man United fee to cement an agreement on personal terms with the rangy midfielder.
Strootman offers the battling qualities of a defensive midfielder, the type of which Moyes could certainly do with in his Man United squad, with the offensive abilities of a playmaker.
The powerfully built midfielder racked up five goals and 11 assists in Eredivisie action alone last term and is a player who’s physicality could lend itself well to life in the Premier League.
Man United are thought to be ready to bring in a number of additions this summer and Moyes could well feel his midfield could do with freshening up.
Anderson has had another average season, Paul Scholes has retired for a second time and Darren Fletcher is still recovering from long term illness. Tom Cleverley impressed in the early stages of the season but faded in the second half of the campaign making just two Premier League starts since February.
Indeed Man United’s most accomplished midfielder was certainly Michael Carrick, who at 31 is clearly not necessarily a long term option.
Strootman is a regular in Louis Van Gaal’s Dutch national team set-up and has 18 caps to his name.