Defender exit a ‘done thing’, Man United have ‘first refusal’ worth £30m

“Goodbye Stefan”.

This is how Il Messaggero are approaching the future of Lazio’s Stefan De Vrij, such is their belief the Dutchman will be leaving in the summer, most likely to Manchester United.

On Thursday, we looked at Corriere dello Sport’s coverage of the situation, and the Italian newspaper claimed €30m should be enough to convince Lazio owner Claudio Lotito to agree to a transfer in the summer.

Il Messaggero, however, think it might cost a bit more, especially with both Chelsea and AC Milan also keeping an eye on the centre-back.

They claim it isn’t Victor Lindelöf José Mourinho is interested in, nor is it Kostas Manolas, but Stefan De Vrij is the man at the top of his list.

Interestingly, Il Messaggero claim Manchester United have a €35m ‘first refusal/pre-agreement’ deal with Lazio regarding Stefan De Vrij, but reckon it would take around €40m to ensure Chelsea and Milan don’t come and spoil the party.

Lazio are still hoping they can agree a new contract with De Vrij before he leaves, allowing to get more money for him, but the player knows doing that would only make it harder for him to leave.

With a contract running out in 2018, €40m seems like a bit much, if you ask us.

Yet, Il Messaggero are adamant. His exit is a ‘done thing’.