Manchester United transfer rumour: Red Devils set to beat Chelsea to Stefan de Vrij signing

Old Trafford bound?

Manchester United are now reportedly leading the race for Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij. The Red Devils are on the verge of completing a deal for the defender for £30 million according to reports in Italy.

Il Messaggero claim that Manchester United jumped in front of the line of clubs that are plotting a move for the 24-year-old central defender. Jose Mourinho is said to be impressed with the Lazio defender's performances and wants to sign him up as soon as possible.

Louis van Gaal also tried to sign the Dutch defender during his time at Manchester United but Lazio were reluctant to sell him. He has played a vital role in Lazio's good start to the 2016/17 season but is not willing to sign a new contract at the club.

Chelsea were desperate to sign him in the summer and made several bids for the Holland international. Reports suggested that Chelsea were willing to bid up to £50 million in order to land the central defender but had to settle for David Luiz in the end.

Manchester City were also said to be interested in signing the defender over the summer. The Serie A club kept knocking back all the bid and offered the defender a new contract to frighten off other suitors. 

But to Lazio's despair, the Dutchman has rejected 3 contract offers and is looking to leave the club. His current contract expires only in 2018 but the Serie A side would look to sell him off before he walks away for free.

Chelsea, Manchester City and AC Milan are reportedly still in the race for the Netherlands international but Manchester United are highly likely to be the defender’s next destination.

Jose Mourinho is keen to bolster his squad when the January transfer window opens. With Chris Smalling currently injured and Eric Bailly off to the African Cup of Nations, Mourinho is desperate to sign a defender who has enough experience and also has a good number of years to play.

Apart from De Vrij, Southampton captain, Jose Fonte is also on Mourinho's list. But, the former Chelsea manager is more interested in getting the former before any other club snap him up.

Real Madrid defenders, Raphael Varane and Pepe are also linked with a move to Old Trafford. Varane has been always linked with a move to the Premier League ever since Mourinho left Real Madrid but the Frenchman is not interested in leaving Los Blancos.

Pepe's contract expires in the summer and he will be free to hold talks with clubs from January. Mourinho is likely to make a move for the Portuguese international if he fails to land De Vrij or Jose Fonte.