Serie A league leaders AS Roma are adamant that their star midfielder Kevin Strootman will not leave the club to join Manchester United in the January transfer window.

Last week, British tabloid Daily Mirror claimed that Strootman was committed to joining Manchester United and even switched agents to Robin van Persie’s advisors in order to facilitate the move in January.

Roma are thought to have told Manchester United to pay up to £60m for Strootman who is currently injured.

The President of Roma, James Pallotta, however, rubbished the rumours (as he may be expected to do) and has repeatedly insisted that Strootman is simply not up for sale.

He said: “Due to continuous rumors reported in the British press on the ManUtd Strootman and I would like to reiterate That Kevin is not on the market .”

He further adds that the English press are wasting their pages in reporting such rumours, as Strootman is a key player in Roma’s long term project and won’t be sold at any cost.

The Giallorossi are a genuine contender for the Scudetto this season. Not only have they won all their three league matches, but also thrashed CSKA Moscow 5-1 in their opening Champions League game.

Roma are financially in a strong position having sold Mehdi Benatia to Bayern Munich in the summer. La Maggica are expected to resist all temptations from Manchester United, provided the Red Devils make any formal approach at all; but from our past experiences, we know, nothing is certain in the transfer market.