Manchester United have reportedly agreed a deal with Dutch midfielder Kevin Strootman to bring him to Old Trafford next summer, as reported by the Daily Star.

Hugo Borst, a Dutch journalist who has close ties to Louis van Gaal, the Man Utd boss, has revealed that a handshake agreement occurred between the manager and player last season.

Borst has recently published a book about the former Netherlands coach titled ‘O, Louis’.

The journalist has explained that Strootman and Van Gaal agreed on a transfer during a game between PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord last spring.

Borst said: “In the spring of 2014 there was a match between PSV and Feyenoord.

“Robin van Persie was in the stands, along with Louis van Gaal. On the other side was Kevin Strootman. The pair chatted, this was when people knew Van Gaal was going to Manchester United.

Strootman has been continuously linked with a switch to Man Utd since the appointment of Van Gaal, who clearly considers him to be one of the better midfielders in the world.

The former Barcelona boss rejigged his entire formation heading into the summer World Cup after the injury suffered by Strootman that continues to keep him out of action.

Man Utd now have to agree a deal with Roma, who are thought to value him at around £30 million.

Manchester United have been handed a gigantic boost in their chase for Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman ahead of January, as reported by the Daily Express.

The Dutch midfielder has reportedly demanded a move to Old Trafford during the winter transfer window, with his club insistent that they will not consider his sale in the coming months.

Strootman is incredibly keen to be reunited with Louis van Gaal, who he played under for the Dutch national side.

Van Gaal is known to be a fan of Strootman, to the extent that he completely rejigged his formation at the World Cup after his injury at the end of last season.

The Roma star has not, in fact, played since March, when he suffered the injury, but has now returned to full training.

Man Utd faced rivals Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, losing the game 1-0 after Chris Smalling’s dismissal for two yellow cards.

Manchester United have been handed a big boost in their chase for Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman, after it was revealed that Roma manager Rudi Garcia is willing to sell the Dutch midfielder in order to fund improvements to the rest of his squad, as reported by the Daily Express.

The Italian club are thought to be looking for a replacement already, in the form of Atletico Madrid midfielder Mario Suarez.

Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal is known to be a keen admirer of Strootman, who he worked closely with while in charge of the Dutch national side.

He now sees him as the ideal partner for Ander Herrera in the middle of Man Utd’s midfield.

The 24 year old has been injured since last season, but remains a big target for the Manchester club.

While Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has repeatedly insisted that Strootman is not for sale, Garcia is thought to be willing to sanction a transfer.

Suarez, who Roma see as a good replacement, would cost only £10 million, meaning Garcia would have funds to spend on the rest of his squad.

Man Utd are thought to be set to make a £40 million bid for Strootman, showing the potential funds that would be available to the Roma boss.