Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has been told that he must pay £50m if he is to sign Stefan de Vrij from Lazio, according to a report.
The 24-year-old was one of many defenders linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer as the Blues desperately searched for cover at the back.
Conte in the end settled for David Luiz, who rejoined the West London outfit from Paris Saint-Germain in a £32m deal, but is said to be looking for further experienced recruits in the New Year.
It is claimed by The Mirror that De Vrij is still a target for Chelsea, but Lazio have put a huge price tag on the Netherlands international's head to fend off the Premier League side, much like rivals Napoli did to keep hold of Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer.
De Vrij, who has been at the club for three seasons, is also understood to have been offered a new-and-improved contract at the Stadio Olimpico.
Written by
Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis
