RUMOURS: Man Utd lead race for £30m defender

Manchester United are leading the race to sign £30 million-rated Lazio centre-half Stefan de Vrij, according to reports from Il Messaggero.

The 24-year-old has attracted interest from a number of European clubs including Manchester City and Chelsea and has reportedly told Lazio he wants to leave in the summer.

United boss Jose Mourinho is keen to add to his defensive options once the January transfer window opens but may have to wait until the end of the season to land De Vrij.

Lazio have offered De Vrij a new contract and want to keep him in the Italian capital, but would be willing to enter negotiations should they receive a substantial offer.