Holland U21 captain Kevin Strootman has revealed his desire to move to the Premier League, despite attracting interest from a host of European clubs.
The 23-year-old PSV midfielder is under contract until 2016, but he’s made clear his intent to leave Eindhoven to seek fortune in English football, where he has many admirers. United have long been linked with a move for Strootman, who has already appeared 18 times for the Dutch national side, and chief scout Jim Lawlor was in the stands as Holland demolished Russia in the European Championships Under 21.
The Guardian and the Mirror report that Strootman’s agent, Chiel Dekker, confirmed that despite other European clubs’ interest – including Napoli and outfits from France and Russia – his client is eager to move to a Premier League club.
He is focused on England because that would suit his style,” said Strootman’s agent.
“He has the physique, the character and the fitness for it.
“I am certainly not afraid he could handle that level.”
“Kevin has ambition but it is not in my hands,” conitnued Dekker.
“From PSV it would have to be a step up to a good club.
“It is not simple though because the price will be expensive and not many teams can afford him.
“The clubs know what he can do now. It is up to them whether they want to reach an agreement with PSV and take him.”
Meanwhile, there’s been another twist in the saga involving Robert Lewandowski, with the Telegraph and the Independent reporting that the Borussia Dortmund striker will not be leaving the Westfalenstadion this summer.
Speaking to a German newspaper, Dortmund’s chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke said: “Robert will definitely be playing for Borussia Dortmund next season, we need this security to be able to plan [for next season].”
In other news, Ryan Giggs will take another significant step towards coaching this week with an eight-day assignment in Turkey as he tries to secure his Uefa Pro Licence badge.
Dan
