Manchester United target Kevin Strootman is to be offered the captaincy of Roma if he signs a new five-year contract in Italy.
Strootman is currently recovering from his second major knee injury in two years. Had he remained fit, there is a good chance he would now be at Old Trafford.
Despite these problems, reports in Italy indicate that Roma retain huge faith in the Dutch midfielder and are ready to build their future around him.
Strootman, 25, earns about £79,000 a week in the Italian capital and if he signs, he can expect to move closer to the club’s top earner, Italy midfielder Daniele de Rossi, who collects a weekly wage of £182,000 – which makes him the top earner in Italian football.
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Strootman was a top target for United boss Louis van Gaal but it remains to be seen whether his enthusiasm has cooled due to the player’s injuries.
Meanwhile, underfire Colombian striker Radamel Falcao returned to form last night for his country, scoring twice and providing an assist against Bahrain in a dramatic first-half.
