Manchester United can consider themselves a little lucky that they didn't sign Kevin Strootman after their top midfield target is set to undergo more surgery, the Express reports.

The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a January move to Manchester United following his return to action for Roma after coming through knee surgery in the summer, causing him to miss the World Cup with the Netherlands.

However, despite making six Serie A appearances this season, he has suffered another setback, with the Dutch midfielder confirmed to be having another operation.

An official statement from the Italian giant’s official site read: “Yesterday Strootman had another meeting with professors Kierhoffs and Van Dijk, who operated on him.

“During the visit he was found to have a mass of fibrous tissue (called Cyclops Syndrome), and it was suggested this be removed through arthroscopy.

“The surgery will be performed in Amsterdam tomorrow, and will also be used to evaluate the status of the [cruciate] ligament.”

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But Strootman has played down the seriousness of his condition and has claimed he is only having surgery to remove some scar tissue after deciding to rest his knee following Roma's 1-1 draw with Fiorentina.

“In the match against Fiorentina I got a knock on my left knee. It's bruised and therefore I should rest my knee for a couple of weeks." Strootman said.

“This gives me the opportunity to remove some scar tissue which has bothered me a bit after the last surgery and this will help me further in getting back to my old level.

“It's nothing serious and I will be back on the pitch as soon as possible.”

Man United boss Louis van Gaal has been monitoring the situation of the Netherlands international ever since the summer, but may be forced to give up on the transfer altogether if there are no improvements on his fitness.

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