Manchester United have been linked to Stefan de Vrij once again.
Manchester United are back in the market for Stefan De Vrij, two and a half years since first being linked to his signature.
Italian newspaper Il Messaggero report the Red Devils are keen on the centre-back, with manager Jose Mourinho a big fan.
Stefan De Vrij celebrates
The report claims Mourinho is ready to spend £30 million on the 24-year-old, a staggering amount considering United could have moved for him for a cut price fee in 2014.
Yet when Van Gaal moved to United, he ignored De Vrij despite a dearth of centre-backs, with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic having recently departed the club.
De Vrij was available for transfer, moving from Feyenoord, a deal The Sun reported cost Lazio just £6 million.
Despite managing De Vrij so effectively, Van Gaal passed up the option, moving for Marcos Rojo instead. The Metro had reported in 2014 that the defender could become his first signing at Old Trafford.
Louis van Gaal and Stefan de Vrij
The reasons he passed it up were unclear at the time, although not wanting to upset Eredivisie sides was mooted, he went onto sign Daley Blind from Ajax the same transfer window.
Van Gaal was dismissed by United this past summer and replaced with Jose Mourinho, who inherited a weak backline.
Mourinho signed the impressive Eric Bailly, but his recent injury highlighted how the Red Devils are short of options.
Signing De Vrij would be a smart move, but an expensive one considering how cheaply United could have had him two years ago, had Van Gaal not erroenously passed up on the option.
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