DE VRIJ ON RED ALERT

LAZIO defender Stefan de Vrij is ready to move to the Premier League – and is keen on a switch to Manchester United.

The Dutch centre-half, 26, is set to leave Lazio on a free transfer after the Italian club publicly admitted they have given up on contract negotiations.

United are watching developments closely and Lazio believe De Vrij (below) has an offer in place, which is why they have ended talks on a new deal.

Reds boss Jose Mourinho wants to rebuild his defence this summer but is facing competition from Everton. Liverpool also considered De Vrij last summer, and Arsenal have been looking at him. Lazio sporting director Igli Tare said: “Lazio have withdrawn the proposal we made for a new contract to De Vrij. It was a choice made after many months of negotiations.”