Juventus line up Lazio star as replacement should Bonucci leave

With speculation resurfacing that Chelsea will look to make a huge move for Leonardo Bonucci this summer, La Gazzetta dello Sport report that the Serie A champions have lined up Stefan de Vrij as a potential replacement.

The Old Lady are understandably keen for Bonucci to stay at the club but rumours of a move to London refuse to die down and the Italian paper suggest that plans are in place should they lose the Italy international.

Lazio centre-back De Vrij is thought to be at the top of the list of players that Juve feel could fill their star defender’s boots, with the Netherlands international impressing since a switch to Italy.

There are concerns over the 25-year-old’s susceptibility to injury, but the former Feyenoord man started 27 league matches last season to help his side return to European football, finishing fifth.

De Vrij led the team for interceptions per game (2.2) and his reading of the game is no doubt key to the reported interest of Juventus.