PSV rule out January exit for Man United midfield target

PSV will hold firm and keep Manchester United target Kevin Strootman this January - although the club face a battle to hold on to him next summer.

Holland international Strootman was firmly on United's radar in the summer but Sir Alex Ferguson could not sort out a move.

It was understood that Strootman was keen to leave but PSV rejected any overtures.

However, the Dutch giants are mindful of interest in the midfielder - from AC Milan as well as United - and are already drawing up plans to replace him.

His agent Chiel Dekker recently ramped up the speculation by claiming the 22-year-old could leave in January but it appears that is not the case.

PSV want to keep one of their most important players for the entirety of the season as they fight for the Eredivisie as well as the Europa League.

Strootman is central to their plans and he has a contract until 2016, which means his club can play hard-ball when it comes to discussing a potential fee.

That will not happen until the summer in any case, with PSV adamant they will not listen to any offers when the winter window opens.