Chelsea could yet be offered the opportunity to sign Lazio defender Stefan De Vrij as negotiations between the Dutchman and Serie A club over a new contract have reportedly stalled.
His contract expires in the summer, but the centre back has been keen to sign a new deal to repay Lazio’s support in helping him through a series of knee injuries.
The Blues were said to be interested in signing De Vrij at the end of the season, following the conclusion of contract talks.
However, Italian newspaper La Repubblica (via Football-Italia.net) reports the 26 year old’s agent is demanding 20% of any future transfer fee; something the Italian side are not willing to accept.
A release clause of €25million was believed to have been agreed to allow the defender to leave in the summer, but the agent’s demand for €5m from the sale has halted discussions.
If De Vrij does fail to agree a new contract, he will be able to leave on a free transfer, with the Blues likely to be in the mix to sign the Dutch international.
