Stefan de Vrij has distanced himself away from recent speculation linking him with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Fabio Paratici’s arrival at Tottenham as technical director sent the media into a frenzy as they went about linking every possible player from Serie A to the north Londoners. Those stories have doubled since Antonio Conte took over as manager from Nuno Espirito Santo earlier this month.
As soon as the Italian’s appointment was confirmed, the focus has been on strengthening the defence, with links to multiple defenders already doing the rounds. Stefan de Vrij’s name is strongly mentioned in circles, owing to the Dutchman playing under Conte during his two years managing Inter Milan.
These links have come strongly in the media at the back of Tottenham’s draw with Everton in the Premier League, the Italian tactician’s first league game in charge of the club. To make matters interesting, de Vrij’s teammate, Milan Skriniar, has also seen his name taken in stories, which are set to continue until the clubs or players refute it.
Tottenham are expected to use Paratici’s expertise in the Italian league to identify and target potential signings. Current defensive options that include Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier and Joe Rodon are deemed not good enough by many as the expectations with Spurs are high after Conte’s arrival.
De Vrij is on international duty with the Netherlands and has refuted any recent speculations linking him to Tottenham. The Dutchman’s comments appeared on Sport Witness via Soccer News, as he denied any contact with Spurs over a move, suggesting these stories are bound to happen due to his connection with Conte.
De Vrij said, “I deny it! Because I don’t know anything about anything. The connection may be made a bit quickly, because the coach I worked with is now working there. But I don’t know anything.”
The Premier League will resume after the ongoing international break, which gives Conte time to evaluate his players on the training grounds properly. We are expecting changes from the Italian to his defence when they resume domestic action against Leeds United. As to whether he signs a new defender in January, only time will tell.
