The two heavyweights of the English Premier League will be looking to battle it out for the signature of Netherlands centre-back Stefan De Vrij over the summer. The duo of clubs have been chasing the highly-rated defender and have kept tabs on him and could lock horns in the next transfer window and It’s noted that United boss Jose Mourinho and Chelsea manager Antonio Conte both consider the Dutchman a “top-level defender.”
United and Chelsea would have to shell out around £35million for the 24-year-old who is one of Europe’s elite defenders. De Vrij – who has won 30 international caps – has been a long-term target for several English clubs after starring in Serie A following a move from Feyenoord in 2014.
De Vrij wants a move to the Premier League and has hinted he wants to leave Lazio in the summer. The Dutchman is powerful in the air and skilled with the ball at his feet and his composure on the ball is a huge asset.
The Red Devils are believed to be on the hunt for a new centre-back despite signing Eric Bailly in the last transfer window, who is currently on duty with the national team at the AFCON.
Marcos Rojo is yet to convince Jose Mourinho of his talents while Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have been plagued by injury.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are set to lose John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic at the end of the season, and Antonio Conte wants technically-gifted players to join the likes of David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta at Stamford Bridge.
De Vrij has been linked with a move to the Premier League since finishing in the Team of the Tournament at the 2014 World Cup. In 12 appearances this season De Vrij has scored one goal for the Italian club.