Manchester United Transfer News: Stefan de Vrij Linked, Fresh Red Devils Rumours

Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij is on his way out of the club, with Manchester United at the front of the queue to win his signature, according to Italian newspaper Il Messaggero (h/t Football Italia).

De Vrij is not in discussions over a new contract and is believed to be considering a switch, although Lazio are desperate to hold on to their key man.

The 24-year-old gave a revealing interview on Wednesday that hinted he could soon be leaving the Biancocelesti, with AC Milan, Chelsea and Manchester City all interested in securing his services. De Vrij has endured a long injury layoff and appeared frustrated with his lack of game time since his recovery.

“I just wanted to play, because I missed the pitch," he said in a press conference. "I’m glad to be back and available. For the future, we’ll see."

Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

The Netherlands international admitted in the same interview that he has yet to schedule a meeting with the club regarding contract discussions, which might suggest De Vrij is keeping his options open.

Il Messaggero (h/t Football Italia) reported that Lazio president Claudio Lotito wants £30 million for the centre-back and that Manchester United are willing to match their valuation with a bid next summer. This is the same fee that Jose Mourinho's side parted with to bring Eric Bailly to the club in June.

A move for De Vrij may come as a surprise to some fans, but it would appear that Mourinho believes another centre-back is needed to provide competition to Bailly and Chris Smalling, both of whom have spent time on the treatment table this season.

Smalling has not featured since the 4-0 defeat to Chelsea in October and did not travel with the squad for the UEFA Europa League match against Zorya Luhansk on Thursday, as reported by Ben Dinnery of ESPN FC:

Bailly made an excellent start to life in Manchester before a knee injury in October saw the Ivorian miss eight matches in all competitions. He has recently returned to full fitness, just in time for the hectic Christmas period.

De Vrij is a powerful and commanding centre-back firmly in the mould of a Mourinho favourite, although his own battles with injury—the Dutchman missed most of last season—may make him an unreliable option.

Neither Marcus Rojo nor Phil Jones has shone this campaign when asked to deputise for Smalling and Bailly, which might explain why the club is willing to spend big on the Lazio star.

Manchester United are also looking at the possibility of bringing Southampton's Jose Fonte to Old Trafford, per Fred Nathan for the Sun.

According to the report, the Portuguese defender has yet to sign a new Saints deal despite beginning negotiations with the club in August.

At 32 years old and with just 18 months left on his contract, Fonte would be a considerably cheaper option than De Vrij.

Regardless of whether Lazio let their defender leave, it looks as though Mourinho will be adding a new centre-back to his squad in the near future.