Roma say Manchester United target Kevin Strootman is not for sale
By Nadia Carminati
Roma's sporting director Walter Sabatini insists Manchester United target Kevin Strootman is not for sale.
United have been strongly linked with a move for Strootman with Dutch coach Louis van Gaal keen to be reunited with his compatriot having worked with him during his time in charge of the national team.
Reports have suggested United are preparing a move for Strootman in January once he has proved his fitness after a serious knee injury.
Sabatini says Roma are determined to keep hold of Strootman and they have no desire to sell him for any price.
“He is an extraordinary player, and these rumours [of his sale] have been based on the desires of other clubs," said Sabatini
“We want to keep him, he is our point of strength. We hope to see him back in the field with all his powers. He played an exemplary role last season.
“Of course he is unsellable, but we must contextualise that I do not say he is for sale. We receive offers, protect him and defend him, but I do not know what will happen.
“For now we enjoy him even whilst he is injured. We are not thinking in any way of selling him, we hope to have him return. We must have patience and wait, he is a decisive player.”
Sabatini also revealed that Roma remain interested in signing highly-rated Paris Saint Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
Roma coach Rudi Garcia has previously expressed an interest in bringing in Rabiot and Sabatini admits they will try to agree a deal for the 19-year-old in January.
"He is an exceptional player. We like him very much," added Sabatini.
"He is a player that we would like and we will discuss him properly, we will not wait to sign him on a free transfer.
"If we have the privilege and the desire to negotiate for Rabiot, we will do so in agreement with Paris Saint-Germain.
"But I believe it will be difficult, as his contract situation is unknown. We will try to work on this as something between clubs of great prestige."