Newcastle United are reportedly set to reignite their interest in Inter Milan star Stefan de Vrij, who will be available for a free transfer next summer.
Inter Milan defender Stefan De Vrij could reportedly be set for a move to the Premier League with Newcastle United.
That’s according to Italian publication La Gazzetta Dello Sport, as relayed by Tribal Football, which claims the Magpies are considering making a move for Dutch international defender De Vrij when the transfer market reopens in January.
The 30-year-old’s contract at San Siro will expire at the end of the season, meaning he will be free to discuss with overseas clubs as early as January and come to an agreement ahead of making the switch to his new club next summer.
The 58-cap Dutch international has spent the last four years or so at San Siro after joining on a free transfer from Lazio in 2018 and has gone on to become one of the best defenders in Serie A. He has amassed 173 appearances for Inter in all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering seven assists in the process.
A Serie A and Italian Cup winner, De Vrij was an integral part of Antonio Conte’s Scudetto-winning side, but with no contract extension in sight, it appears his future could lie elsewhere. St James’ Park has emerged as a possible destination for the player.
Newcastle’s interest in the Dutch defender dates back to before they first tried to sign his compatriot Sven Botman in January. However, the 30-year-old rebuffed the Magpies’ interest back then. He would have been swapping a Serie A title race and Champions League football for a relegation battle.
However, Newcastle are a very different outfit these days and are heading in the right direction, making them a more attractive option for De Vrij.
Inter Milan want to cash in on their asset in the winter window if they can, even if it would be a meagre sum, although it’s also possible that De Vrij decides to wait until 2023 before making a choice knowing that this is likely to be his last big contract.
Newcastle already have an experienced option in Swiss international Fabian Schar, so the Magpies would be better served by bringing in a younger center-back to pair with Botman.
However, De Vrij will still be a good addition for Howe and co. on a Bosman transfer as he has tremendous pedigree, having played 24 times in the Champions League throughout his career, and will definitely bring in a lot of experience to the dressing room.
At 30, he has a few good years left in his tank at the highest level, despite looking a bit off the pace in his recent performances for the Nerazzurri. It remains to be seen whether or not Newcastle will make a move for De Vrij in the upcoming January transfer window.