Manchester United got off to an exciting start this season. After a heavy-spending summer that saw the club cash out in excess of £150m, Manchester United currently are sitting in the second position in the league.
Although their form has been decent there is a significant gap between them and table toppers Manchester City. However, they are far off from losing their way on the title chase and a couple of quick wins will again put them in the heels of City who might lose momentum in the coming weeks with every club across Europe trying to gun them down.
It is now being reported that Mourinho is looking to add further depth and strength to his squad and Lazio defender Stefan De Vrij has become a target for Manchester United.
Mourinho was desperate for a centre-back signing in the summer but the arrival of Victor Lindelof from Benfica gave the Portuguese tactician a certain break from his worries. However, with Lindelof unable to hit the ground running, the Dutch defender may become a priority signing.
Currently, the Red Devils have Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo who can play in the centre back position. It will be interesting to see Mourinho adjust another centre back into the side. United also have makeshift cover at the middle of the park in the form of Daley Blind and Nemanja Matic as well.
De Vrij’s arrival would see him walk straight into the starting line-up and that would mean either Jones or Smalling losing their place as Bailly is expected to be the other centre-half in Mourinho’s backline.
The 25-year old currently playing for Lazio has stalled talks on a new contract.
De Vrij’ current contract at Lazio expires at the end of this season and although the Biancocelesti want to seal a new deal that would include a buy-out clause, the price of the clause has not been settled yet with a mismatch of €20m still left to be sorted out.
De Vrij who came into the limelight early, made his professional debut back in 2009 for Feyenoord as a 17-year old. The Dutch defender went on to make 135 appearances and scored 6 goals in the process before moving to Lazio for an undisclosed fee.
After impressing in the Netherlands team that finished runners-up in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Dutch defender completed his move to Lazio and has played for them ever since. The 1.90m tall centre-back, who is comfortable on the ball has made over 70 appearances for the club.
With the backline star reaching an end of his contract at Lazio, United should jump in for the defender and add some much need quality at the heart of their defence.
