By Dave Marshall
Manchester United may step up their pursuit of Lazio centre back, Stefan de Vrij. The Dutch international is said to be on Jose Mourinho’s shortlist for defensive reinforcements for next season as he is not happy with a number of his defensive options. The Express reports that the Europa League finalists are willing to tempt the Rome club with a huge offer for their star defender.
De Vrij has become one of the key defenders in Serie A over the past three years and was close to a move to Chelsea last summer, but a move broke down between both parties as both clubs could not reach a compromise over the transfer fee. De Vrij’s current deal with the club runs out next summer, meaning they do have an obligation to sell if they don’t want to lose him on a free in 2018.
The defender is a left footed, old fashioned centre-half who is quite happy to boot the ball to safety instead of dwelling on the ball, though he can also play out from the back and he has an astute reading of the game due to his Dutch background.
The likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have not really impressed Jose Mourinho this season and are likely to leave Old Trafford as the Portuguese looks to mastermind a sustained title challenge come next season.
De Vrij will be a quality addition, but his injury worries could hamper his move. He has made 30 appearances for the Serie A highflyers this season.
