Saturday, 13th September, 2014
Louis van Gaal faces heavyweight competition in his desire to take Roma's Kevin Strootman to Manchester United.
Van Gaal is a firm fan of Strootman, but held off bidding for him this summer due to a serious knee injury which has seen him out of action since March.
However, the Manchester United manager is expected to test Roma's resolve to keep the Dutchman in January, should Strootman make a successful return from injury.
But he is not alone in his admiration of the midfielder.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Real Madrid are now firmy in the race to sign the former PSV Eindhoven midfielder.
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The European champions are thought to see Strootman as a worthy successor to Xabi Alonso, who left for Bayern Munich this summer.
All eyes are now on Stootman to see what shape he returns from his length injury layoff in.
Roma paid around €20m to sign the Dutchman from PSV Eindhoven last summer.
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