Soon-to-be free agent Stefan De Vrij is eyeing a move to Manchester United once his contract with Lazio expires at the end of the season, according to reports, today.
News broke on Monday evening that the Dutchman hadn't been able to come to terms on a new deal at the Stadio Olimpico and will instead leave Lazio in the summer. The belief was that the Netherlands international had been attempting to secure a move to Internazionale, but now it appears he is more keen to work under Jose Mourinho.
De Vrij has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the past, most notably after the 2014 World Cup, when then Netherlands manager Louis Van Gaal was taking over as the new United manager. However, a move never materialised, with De Vrij trading Feyenoord for Lazio, instead.
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Club director Igli Tare confirmed the former Feyenoord defender had had his offer of a new contract withdrawn on Monday evening.
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The Lazio board reportedly ran out of patience with the Netherlands international, with Tare telling Mediaset Premium, "Lazio have withdrawn the proposal we made for a new contract to De Vrij.
"We are withdrawing for reasons that we will explain later on. It was a choice made after many months of negotiations, but there is also a limit to how things went.
"He has been an exemplary professional and we thank him for that as well as what he'll do until the end of the season. He gave a lot to the club, just as we gave a great deal to him, but our paths will divide in June.
"It's a matter of fairness. This is not the opportune time to give the reasons for this decision, but we had to give a response and we gave it this evening.
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"It is better to look forward, as Lazio are a side who have grown in recent years and will continue to grow, because we certainly do not lack players."
But despite the aforementioned Inter rumours, the Mirror are reporting that the 26-year-old is actually hoping to secure a switch to Old Trafford, leaving United, who are targeting defensive reinforcements, this summer, in pole position to secure the former Feyenoord man's signature.
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De Vrij himself has also issued a statement on his impending departure from the Italian capital, taking to his official Facebook page to express his gratitude to Lazio and the club's fans.
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The statement in full reads, "It was a very difficult time full of speculation about my future until it came to this point that no one wanted. Unfortunately, for several reasons we have not been able to find a satisfactory agreement on both sides.
"I understand very well the disappointment of the lazio and it hurts me to go away like this. Although here I am happy and I feel at home, sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone in order to achieve the desired goals.
"I will forever be grateful to lazio and fans for always being on my side and for all the trust and opportunities I have been given. I've been trying to prove it every day by giving it the best and I'm going to do it till the end
"Thank you, Stefan."
Whether United retain an interest in the Dutchman remains to be seen, but should Jose Mourinho wish to add him to his squad for next season, it should be a relatively straightforward process to bring De Vrij to Old Trafford.
(H/T Metro)
Topics: Football News, Lazio, Football, Manchester United, Serie A, Premier League