Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij has revealed that Louis van Gaal said last summer that he could end up at a club of the calibre of Manchester United if he continues to develop.

The Dutch international defender was consistently linked with a move to Manchester United following his impressive showing in the World Cup for the Netherlands.




Van Gaal’s appointment as Manchester United boss further increased the speculation surrounding De Vrij, but the centre back eventually joined Lazio and played a crucial role in them finishing third in Serie A last season.

Speculation has continued about a rumoured move to Old Trafford and the defender has revealed that Van Gaal did talk to him about joining a club such as Manchester United in the future when it was known he would be taking over the reins at Old Trafford.
 


However, he stressed that the former Ajax boss insisted that De Vrij needs to develop further before he joins a club of Manchester United’s magnitude.

relatedNewsStory

Speaking to Helden Online, the 23-year-old defender said: “That [Manchester United interest] was never concrete. That Van Gaal would be there was clear during the World Cup.

“He once said in Brazil, ‘you played a good World Cup; a year ago I didn’t even consider you for selection’.”

“He also said something along the lines of, ‘you have done very well, but we are talking about Manchester United here, the biggest club in the world. If you continue to develop, who knows what will happen in the future’.

"It wasn't him saying he would pick me, but perhaps that I would end up at such a club; that's what he meant I think."

Manchester United have continued to be linked with a move for De Vrij, but Lazio are in no mood to sell one of their prized assets any time soon.

He has a contract until 2018 with the Biancocelesti.