Victory in the Champions League for Manchester City over Roma on Wednesday evening could see Kevin Strootman leave the Italian club and join Manchester United in January.
Manchester United’s interest in Dutch midfielder Strootman has been heavily maintained since the summer after Louis van Gaal took over at the club.
Van Gaal is well aware of Strootman’s ability and has been watching the midfielder recently after his return from injury which saw him miss the World Cup with his country.
Roma have been stubborn in their desire to keep the midfielder but reports in Italy have claimed that the capital club would be willing to sell the Dutch international if they fail to beat Manchester City on Wednesday evening and progress to the knock-out stages of the Champions League.
United are buoyed by the news and in a strange turn of events – will be hoping their closest rivals can win on Wednesday evening in Rome.
Strootman has been previously valued at close to £80m by Roma officials but fail to qualify for the next round of Champions League football – then that price is likely to drop by a substantial amount.