Stefan de Vrij Signs for Lazio

Holland centre-back Stefan de Vrij is set to join Louis van Gaal at Manchester United, becoming the manager’s first signing since beginning his work at Old Trafford.

Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw both arrived while Van Gaal was on World Cup duty with Holland, and he is keen to add the 22-year-old De Vrij after he excelled in Brazil.

The Feyenoord defender only has one year left on his contract and has been fending off interest from Lazio in the belief that Van Gaal will take him to the Premier League.

The fee being quoted is £10m which would represent extremely good value for money for such a young player, who played all seven games for his country in Brazil – scoring in the 5-1 thrashing of holders Spain.

Mats Hummels is United’s top defensive target but he is not interested in leaving Borussia Dortmund at this time.

United need to strengthen at the back following the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, meaning Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are the club’s only recognised senior centre-backs.

Another Dutch star expected to head to Old Trafford is Roma’s Kevin Strootman, who missed the World Cup through injury.

The 24-year-old is not expected to be fit until later this year so Van Gaal is eyeing a deal to sign him in January.

With Michael Carrick’s 12-week injury, it is expected that Van Gaal will move to sign at least one more central midfielder before the end of the summer transfer window.