A.S. Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman has rubbished reports linking him with a January move to Manchester United.
The Holland international, 24, is reportedly a top transfer target for United boss Louis van Gaal after being a regular in LVG’s side during the Oranje’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
“I’ve signed up for five years, but so far I’ve only been playing for six or seven months,” Strootman told Sky Italia.
“I want to play and help the team. That’s important to me. If I spoke about other clubs that would be disrespectful, and I don’t want to do that.”
Strootman, who joined Roma from PSV Eindhoven for €17 million in the summer of 2013, recently returned to the Giallorossi first-team after missing eight months with a serious knee injury.
“I worked for eight months to come back,” Strootman said. “I played against Sassuolo and I wasn’t good, then I came on against [CSKA] Moscow and wasn’t right.
“After the winter break, I’ve been training with more confidence, I feel better physically and I’m returning to 100 per cent. I’m not there yet, but I’m coming back.”
Strootman is currently valued at around £30 million.
United sign Valdes
Manchester United have completed the signing of goalkeeper Victor Valdes on a one-and-a-half year deal, with an option to extend for a further year.
The former FC Barcelona shot-stopper, 32, had been without a club since leaving Catalonia at the end of last season, and will likely serve as the Red Devils No. 2 goalkeeper behind David de Gea.
Valdes is delighted to arrive at United, where he will be reunited with former Barca manager Louis van Gaal.
“It is a real honour to sign for Manchester United,” Valdes told the club’s official website.
“I would like to thank Louis van Gaal and the club for allowing me to do my rehabilitation and to train with the team at the Aon Training Complex.
“From my short time here I can already see this is a very special club. I worked with Louis van Gaal during my time at FC Barcelona and to have the opportunity to work with him here at Manchester United is a dream come true.”
LVG added: “I am delighted Victor has signed for the club. Victor is a very experienced goalkeeper and his record speaks for itself.
“I have said on many occasions that Manchester United will always be interested in the best players.
“Victor has remained very professional throughout his rehabilitation from injury and has been very impressive during his training sessions with the first team over the past weeks.
“He joins the club as the number two goalkeeper and is a great addition to the first team.”
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