Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal remains transfixed on Kevin Strootman according to reports.

The Manchester Evening News suggests that the Roma midfielder is preferred to Juventus star Paul Pogba who has been linked with a sensational Old Trafford return.

Van Gaal has shown considerable interest in Holland international Strootman since he took the reins at United but it is believed that the 25-year old will need to return to full fitness before the Red Devils make a move.

Strootman missed last summer's FIFA World Cup in Brazil because of knee ligament damage which recurred in January but United remain linked with a potential £40million bid.