In Israel at the European u21 championship to apparently watch Kevin Strootman, another midfielder has caught the eye of Manchester United scout Jim Lawlor.
Strootman has been heavily linked with United this season, and as captain of Holland’s u21 side the competition provided United with the perfect opportunity to watch the midfielder before the transfer window opens in July but it appears one of his team mates has stolen his shine.
The Sunday Express are reporting that Vitess Arnhem’s Marco Van Ginkel has played his way into United’s interest alongside Strootman in midfield. The 20 year old played in 3 of Holland’s 4 games, creating 2 goals and this has been enough to draw United into the hunt for the player.
But if United’s interest is confirmed to be authentic, then they will face a stern test in bringing Van Ginkel to Old Trafford. Ajax are said to also be interested but have been put off by the £15m price tag but Chelsea suffer from no such concerns and are said to be intent on snapping him up.
Chelsea have a deal with Arnhem that has seen a number of their players head to the Dutch club on loan including Tomas Kalas, Patrick van Aanholt and Gael Kakuta and it is believed that they have first refusal on the Eredivisie club’s players.
Despite not knowing about interest from United, the player is said to be open to the idea of leaving the club he joined as a 7 year old. Asked about the United link Van Ginkel said:
“My future? Now I have a vacation and I’ll concentrate on that. After my holiday, we will see. Maybe!
“Manchester United? I didn’t know. I have two more years at Vitesse. It’s a club who’s growing, so I’m also happy there.”
