Manchester United Transfer News: Stefan de Vrij Rumours, Luke Shaw Latest

Manchester United will reportedly face competition from AC Milan and Inter Milan this summer in the battle to sign Lazio centre-back Stefan De Vrij.

According to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Calciomercato.com), De Vrij looks unlikely to agree an extension with the capital club, with his deal set to expire at the end of next season. It means he may be available for a cut-price fee in the upcoming transfer window.

As noted in the report, United have been long-term admirers of the Netherlands international, although the two Milan giants are set to muscle in on the chase for him.

Here's why so many elite clubs are said to admire De Vrij:

Since arriving at Lazio in 2014, De Vrij has built a reputation as one of the most dependable defenders in Serie A.

The 25-year-old was supreme in his debut campaign, helping Lazio qualify for the UEFA Champions League with some commanding performances. However, De Vrij was sidelined for the vast majority of the previous season with a serious injury and has been battling with issues since making his return.

Still, when he does get on the field, there are few better centre-backs in Serie A. The Lazio man is so sharp in reacting to danger and forceful in all aspects of his game.

Here's how he compares to some of United's regular centre-backs statistically:

	De Vrij	Bailly	Rojo
Apps (Sub)	22	17 (1)	17 (3)
Goals	1	0	1
Tackles per game	2.1	2.4	1.4
Interceptions per game	2.4	2.6	1.6
Clearances per game	3.9	5.3	6.7
Blocks per game	0.6	0.6	0.3
Passing accuracy	85.5 %	88.5 %	86 %

Any club wishing to sign De Vrij would have to factor in his fitness record, which has been sketchy as of late. However, if the Dutchman could overcome these inconsistencies, he'd be a fine acquisition for most clubs in Europe.

The Red Devils could do with bolstering their defensive options too. Eric Bailly may have dropped off a little after a strong start to the campaign, but he's viewed as a defensive building block at Old Trafford. De Vrij, if he were lured to United, could be another.

Luke Shaw Latest

OLI SCARFF/Getty Images

United left-back Luke Shaw has outlined his determination to secure a regular starting spot at Old Trafford despite speculation he could be on the move.

Mourinho has been critical of Shaw at times this term, with the 21-year-old regularly on the bench and out of the squad. The England international detailed a meeting he had with the manager and how he is doubly determined to be a success at Old Trafford.

"At the end of my meeting with the manager, I said 'I'm going to prove you wrong,'" Shaw told Sky Sports. "I believe and want to do that, not just for myself but for the fans that have been behind me and supported me through this time. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I want to push for the best from me."

Stu Forster/Getty Images

It was reported by Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News earlier this year that Shaw was battling for his future at the club having failed to impress Mourinho.

However, he has noticed a change in the player lately:

The youngster made a positive impact when he was introduced against Everton recently, helping his team salvage a 1-1 draw. Shaw then started and performed well in the 3-0 away win at Sunderland on Sunday.

It'd be a shame if Shaw's time with United were to fizzle out, as he's one of the most exciting young English players around. After a turbulent 18 months—including a lengthy injury layoff—something looks to have finally clicked in the former Southampton man.