Manchester United are reportedly keen on Lazio’s Stefan de Vrij.
According to The Mirror, Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij is preferring a move to Manchester United this summer, despite links to Premier League rivals Everton and Liverpool.
De Vrij, 26, has been one of the top centre backs in Italian football since leaving Feyenoord for Lazio in 2014, becoming a star in Serie A despite a major knee injury keeping him out of action.
The Dutch international has continued to impress this season, and is now set for a move away from the Stadio Olimpico after Lazio revealed that they have withdrawn their contract offer to De Vrij after he suggested that he will be moving on this summer when his current deal ends.
Now, The Mirror report that whilst Everton and Liverpool have registered an interest in De Vrij recently, he fancies a move to Manchester United, and the Red Devils are thought to be monitoring the situation closely ahead of the summer transfer window.
Can Liverpool and Everton compete?
United’s riches may just make them favourites for De Vrij’s signature, and he would figure to feature alongside Eric Bailly in the heart of United’s defence, which has been shaky with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling of late.
Jose Mourinho’s men may not have it all their own way though, with Merseyside duo Everton and Liverpool also thought to be interested in landing De Vrij, but the pair may have a tough challenge competing with United.
Liverpool can at least offer De Vrij the chance to partner international teammate Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the Liverpool defence, whilst Champions League football would certainly aid their bid.
Everton would almost certainly struggle to land him, as whilst they can offer guaranteed first-team football, they look set to have no European football to offer, and couldn’t offer the finances that Liverpool or United can provide.
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