Manchester United target Kevin Strootman says he does not see his current club Roma as a springboard to a bigger club, although he suggested he would relish a future move to Barcelona or Real Madrid.
Rumours persist that United are lining up a bid for the Dutch midfielder this winter, in spite of Roma's repeated insistence that they will not entertain any offers.
Strootman, who joined Roma from PSV Eindhoven in 2013, said he plans on sticking with the Giallorossi for now -- but he added that playing in Serie A gives him greater hope that he will one day play for one of the world's biggest clubs.
"I absolutely do not see Roma as just an intermediate step in my career," Strootman is quoted as telling Voetbal International magazine. "But I do think a player who performs well here will get to the absolute top quicker."
He added: "Of course everybody wants to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid, but they don't come looking for you so quickly in the Eredivisie.
"There are odd exceptions, but in general their scouts tend to look around at higher levels."
Strootman, 24, has just returned to action for Roma after spending eight months on the sidelines with torn knee ligaments. He started the 2-2 draw with Sassuolo and appeared as a substitute against Torino and is now in contention for a start when Roma face Udinese on Jan. 6.