Everton are eyeing an ambitious summer swoop for Stefan de Vrij, with the defender facing an uncertain future at Inter Milan.
A recent report from Tuttosport, as relayed by Sempre Inter, has offered an update on Stefan de Vrij’s situation. It appears the defender is facing an uncertain future at Inter Milan, with Everton expressing interest to snap him up this summer.
Having offloaded Achraf Hakimi last month, Inter Milan are not too keen on sanctioning another sale for a star player. However, they might consider if the offer is high enough, thus putting Everton on red alert.
The Toffees are in the market for defensive reinforcements this summer, as new coach Rafa Benitez hopes to shore up his options at the back. The former Liverposs boss is reportedly keen on Manchester United outcast Phil Jones but faces stiff competition from league rivals West Ham United.
De Vrij, though, offers better value and experience. The Dutchman has enjoyed tremendous success since his 2018 move to Inter, notching up over 120 competitive appearances. During his ongoing three-year spell in Milan, the centre-back has established himself as one of the finest in Italy.
The former Lazio star was notably a part of one of Europe’s finest defensive units last season, alongside Milan Skriniar and Alessandro Bastoni. Their collective contributions helped the Nerazzurri break Juventus’ hegemony in Italian football by sealing the Scudetto, conceding just 35 goals in the process.
However, Inter’s financial disarray could force at least one of their three star defenders to move on, with Skriniar already being linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur. Everton’s interest in snapping up de Vrij, therefore, is a clever move, knowing the player could be available for a cut-price, especially with his contract expiring in 2023.
That said, the club’s lack of participation in Europe and sporting success could make it difficult for them to attract a top player like de Vrij. In fact, the departure of Carlo Ancelotti has already led to rumours about James Rodriguez potentially leaving Goodison Park in the summer. As such, Benitez may have to look elsewhere in his bid to shore up his defensive options this summer.
Jones, as mentioned earlier, is one option. But the Toffees may land themselves a better deal if they can secure the services of Merih Demiral, although the Juventus star’s €40 million price tag is sure to be an obstacle for the Merseyside giants.