Manchester United are closing in on the signing of long-term target Kevin Strootman after reportedly coming to an agreement with PSV Eindhoven on a transfer fee.
Strootman has been linked with United for quite a while now and is seen as an ideal candidate to fill the void felt so often in midfield.
The Dutch international is widely expected to leave PSV this summer as he looks to show his prowess in one of the bigger European leagues.
Now United seem to have jumped into the front of the line after reportedly coming to terms on a €20 million (£17 million, $25.5 million) fee, according to caughtoffside.com.
Manager Dick Advocaat, who coached Strootman this season with PSV, had earlier this month admitted it would be in the player's best interests to move to a bigger club.
"For PSV it would be good if he stays, but for Strootman himself it's better to leave," Advocaat told De Telegraaf.
"He's the reserve captain of the Dutch national squad and PSV will make another step next season.
"This guy fits everywhere. He's a fantastic player because he knows exactly what his qualities are.
"(He would be good for) Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, but I think he's also good enough for Manchester City and Manchester United.
"Strootman is nothing less than Gareth Barry. He's a very useful player for every team. Especially when he's surrounded by better players."
Advocaat, who retired from the game at the end of the season, is clearly impressed by Strootman's qualities and with United fans crying out for midfield reinforcements in the summer, it will be seen as an ideal signing by David Moyes as the Scot looks to stamp his authority on United.
United have also been linked with a move for Moyes' former player Marouane Fellaini, who recently admitted he sees his future more as a defensive midfielder.
So it remains to be seen which player the new manager goes for, if not both, with Moyes clearly more familiar with the qualities of Fellaini having managed him for several years during his time with Everton.
