A.S. Roma president James Pallotta has revealed it would take a ‘huge’ offer for Manchester United to sign midfielder Kevin Strootman during the January transfer window.
The Holland international, 24, is still not fully fit after missing out last summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil due to a cruciate ligament injury.
However, Strootman is reportedly the top transfer target for United manager Louis van Gaal, who has previously worked with the player at the international level.
Last year, Roma boss Rudi Garcia insisted the club would not sell Strootman for less than €100 million, and Pallotta’s recent interview with Bleacher Report suggests nothing has changed.
“We want to put the best team on the pitch, that’s the most important thing,” Pallotta said.
“But we’re businessmen. If someone comes in with a stupid number for a player, you have to listen to it. You can’t just say ‘no, no matter what’.
“My view is that I don’t want Kevin to go, for example, but if someone offers a huge amount, you at least have to listen to them.
“You’re running a team, so you have to look at what’s best for everyone, not just one individual. That’s the way the world works.”
Pallotta added: “I think the papers have finally given up on the Strootman thing, because Kevin’s come out and addressed it, saying he likes it in Italy and he has a five-year contract.
“And by the way, I wasn’t going to sell him anyway.”
Strootman, whose current contract at the Stadio Olimpico expires in the summer of 2018, has tallied one assist in four Serie A appearances for the Giallorossi this season.
Thiago Motta staying put
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Thiago Motta has rubbished reports linking him with a January exit from the Parc des Princes.
The Italy international, formerly of Genoa and Internazionale, has been linked with a return to Serie A amid reported interest from league leaders Juventus.
“I’m in Paris and from the first day I arrived here my only focus has been on PSG,” Motta said.
“I have had the opportunity to speak to the club executives and I can say that I will remain at this club.”
Motta has made 16 Ligue 1 appearances, including 14 starts, for fourth-placed PSG (10-8-2) in 2014/15.
Edu joins Philadelphia Union
In other news, USA international midfielder Maurice Edu has left English Premier League outfit Stoke City in favour of joining MLS side Philadelphia Union.
Edu, 28, spent last season on loan in Philadelphia.
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