Chelsea consider move for Lazio defender

Chelsea have switched their focus to Lazio's Stefan de Vrij after they failed in their pursuit of Kalidou Koulibaly. Blues boss Antonio Conte is keen on recruiting a new centre-half ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Napoli are reported to placed a hefty £45m price tag on Koulibaly's head amid strong interest from Chelsea and Everton.

According to The People, the Blues have given up on their chase for Koulibaly and will now focus on a deal for De Vrij.

Lazio are willing to offload their central defender over the summer, should any club match his £15m asking price.

The 24-year-old has also earned 30 caps for the Netherlands with his debut coming in 2012. He was a target for Manchester United during last summer's transfer window.