Chelsea are weighing up slapping in a bid for Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij as their hunt for a centre-back picks up pace.

Blues boss Antonio Conte has been looking to do his centre-back shopping in his native Italy, but has so far met disappointment at every turn, despite bids being slapped in for defenders at AC Milan and Napoli.
 



Now, according to Italian broadcaster Sportitalia, the Premier League giants are considering moving for Lazio's De Vrij.

Chelsea have already taken soundings over the Netherlands international and could well make an offer worth €25m plus bonus payments for the defender in the coming days.
 


The Blues are carefully assessing their next move, though as Lazio will have to sign a replacement if De Vrij is sold, the pressure is on.

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Lazio signed the 24-year-old from Dutch Eredivisie giants Feyenoord in 2014, despite Manchester United being linked with a swoop in the same summer.

De Vrij missed the majority of last season with a knee injury, but he has already clocked up the full 90 minutes in Serie A this season, featuring in Lazio's win over Atalanta last weekend.