Man Utd news: Mourinho to challenge Chelsea and Liverpool for bargain defender De Vrij

MANCHESTER UNITED are considering shoring up their defensive options in the summer with a move for Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij, according to reports.

Jose Mourinho is likely to be heavily backed, with the club desperate to bridge the gap to runaway leaders Manchester City next season.

Liverpool were interested in signing De Vrij last month, however they turned their attentions to Virgil van Dijk instead and completed a £75million deal instead.

Chelsea are also supposedly monitoring De Vrij’s situation, with the player out of contract at the end of the campaign.

And according to Italian publication Il Messagero, United are considering a swoop for the Dutchman.

It is believed De Vrij will pen a new deal with Lazio that will contain a £20m release clause.

United and Chelsea supposedly see this as a bargain.

Liverpool meanwhile, also feel De Vrij is the perfect player to strengthen their rearguard.

The need for a new centre-back has become a pressing concern for the Anfield outfit, and Steve Nicol berated Dejan Lovren for his performance against Tottenham on Sunday, labelling him a “train wreck”.

“The guy is just a train wreck waiting to happen, Nicol said.

“Yet again, right on cue just when he needed to be calm and cool and just kick the ball, he makes a mess of it.

“I have not a clue, because I don’t think Klopp’s got a clue either.”

Source: www.express.co.uk