Manchester United are ready to submit a bid of £18.5m to Lazio for defender Stefan de Vrij, according to reports.
United’s chief scout Jim Lawlor was in Italy at the weekend to watch both De Vrij and Brazilian forward Felipe Anderson and it is now understood that he has instructed boss Louis van Gaal to make a move for the former.
The 23-year-old joined the Serie A club from Feyenoord this summer, and has impressed, helping the Italian capital side to a current third place standing.
De Vrij was part of Van Gaal’s Dutch squad for the World Cup last summer in Brazil and scored in the 5-1 thumping of Spain.
Lazio are keen to hold on to the defender, who has a current deal until 2018 but United opening bid is sure to test their resolve.