Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Lazio defender Stefan De Vrij, but it will take a £30m bid to prise him away from the Italian capital.
The Dutch international has returned from serious injury problems to play a leading role for Simone Inzaghi’s side so far this season, and they currently sit in fifth place in the Serie A table.
However, according to Il Messaggero, United are ready to disrupt that settled Lazio side by making their move for De Vrij in January.
Jose Mourinho is said to be keen on bolstering his options in the centre of his defence, particularly with Eric Bailly away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations in the New Year.
With Chris Smalling currently sidelined through injury and with Marcos Rojo hardly the long-term solution given his indifferent displays this season, a defender is very much on the United agenda in the upcoming transfer window.
Nevertheless, it won’t be cheap as the report goes on to add that it will take a £30m bid to secure the signing of De Vrij, with the 24-year-old seemingly set on an exit from the Stadio Olimpico after rejecting three contract offers from the club already.
There is said to be interest from other clubs, but at this stage it looks as though Mourinho could be moving in on a solution for his defensive troubles so far this season which have seen United concede 16 goals in just 14 games.