Manchester United face paying over the odds if they want to sign AS Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman in January. The Mirror says United's pursuit of Strootman has been made harder by Roma owner James Pallotta's determination to hold out for £46m for the Netherlands international.
Former Holland boss Van Gaal wants Strootman in January, but United's willingness to splash the cash this summer has seen Roma decide to push up their asking price.
United wanted to pay a top figure of £25m for the midfield enforcer, who is set to make his long-awaited return from a serious knee injury in mid-October.
But Roma believe they can extract more for Strootman, which would go a long way to appeasing their fans - most of whom are opposed to a sale.
