Manchester United eye move for Dutch defender

Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij has emerged as a potential option to bolster the Manchester United defence during the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho has often been critical towards the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling owing to their lack of commitment, and he is now prepared to move in for a couple of recruits.

Italian publication Calciomercato claims that the Dutchman could make his long-awaited move to the Premier League after having had an injury-free season.

De Vrij, who featured for Holland at the 2014 World Cup finals, had been on United's radar whilst Louis van Gaal before he broke down with a serious knee injury.

The former Feyenoord man has now fully recovered from his lengthy problem and has made 30 appearances across all competitions for the Rome-based club this season.

United are not the sole club interested in pursuing the Netherlands international with La Liga duo Atletico Madrid and Valencia likely to table offers of their own for the 25-year-old.

The Dutchman has declined to extend his Lazio stay beyond the summer of 2019, and there is a realistic chance they will sell the centre-back this summer rather than letting his price drop further.