Man United closing in on Strootman

Manchester United are just "one step away" from securing the signature of Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman, according to Italian agent Matteo Materazzi.

Dutch international Strootman is a massive favourite of United boss Louis van Gaal, so much so that the Reds boss re-jigged his entire Netherlands strategy during the World Cup because of the midfielder's absence.

Strootman, 24, missed the tournament with a serious knee injury, but returned to action in November with the Giallorossi.

And United are eager to bring the player to Old Trafford to team up once more with his former Netherlands boss.

Now Materazzi has declared himself confident that a deal is on the brink of being completed for the former PSV Eindhoven skipper.

"Manchester [United] are one step away from Kevin Strootman," Materazzi told Rai Sport.

"The British club will pay €40million (£32million) into the coffers of the Giallorossi."