Manchester United Target Stefan De Vrij Poised to Join Lazio from Feyenoord

Manchester United have missed out on signing Stefan de Vrij in the ongoing transfer window as the Netherlands and Feyenoord star agreed a switch to Lazio.

The 22-year-old was linked with a move to Old Trafford but competition came from the Serie A club. He had less than a year remaining on his contract with the Rotterdam-based club and they were willing to cash in on their academy product than lose him for free next summer.

Earlier this month, United manager Louis van Gaal revealed that he is looking to sign defenders to fill the void created by the departure of veteran duo Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. The former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss is believed to have earmarked his compatriot as his top defensive target alongside Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen.

The Red Devils failed to take advantage after the Biancocelesti's initial offer was rejected by the Eredivisie side. But their subsequent bid of €8.5m, as reported by De Telegraaf, was accepted and the Italian capital outfit confirmed, via their official Twitter account, the centre-back's arrival in Rome on Monday.

"Stefan De Vrij will arrive tonight [Monday] at Fiumicino airport and tomorrow morning [Tuesday] at 8 a.m. will undergo his medical at the Paideia clinic," Goal.com quoted Lazio's director of communications Stefano De Martino as saying.

"We welcome with joy the best defender at the World Cup. He is an international-level signing."

De Vrij is also capable of playing as a right back and is the third first choice player among the back four to leave De Kuip this summer. His compatriot Daryl Janmaat joined Newcastle United while left back Bruno Martins Indi moved to Portugal to sign for FC Porto.

The Dutch international will sign a five-year contract following the completion of his medical examination scheduled for Tuesday morning.