Hutton claims Spurs would be ‘in the driving seat’ if they enter centre-back race

Alan Hutton claims Tottenham Hotspur would be the front-runners in the race for Inter Milan star Stefan De Vrij thanks to the centre-back’s relationship with Antonio Conte.

De Vrij has been a fantastic servant for Inter over the years and he was a mainstay in the central sweeper role during Conte’s two years at the San Siro.

However, the Dutchman’s future is up in the air as he has just 12 months left on his contract with the Nerazzurri (Transfermarkt).

It was reported back in March that Conte was keen on reuniting with De Vrij at Spurs (Inter Live).

This information was backed up by Football Insider this week, with the publication suggesting the North Londoners are battling Aston Villa and Newcastle United for the 30-year-old’s signature.

The report added that Simone Inzaghi’s side are prepared to cash in on De Vrij for £15m this summer.

Hutton believes that Spurs will have an advantage over the Magpies and the Villans in the race for the Netherlands international.

The former Tottenham right-back told Football Insider regarding the Lilywhites’ interest in De Vrij: “It (Conte relationship) definitely gives you a big advantage.

“It depends on what the relationship was like but normally, when you play under a manager, you like them. It goes the opposite way as well, so that helps.

“They would definitely be in the driving seat but I think there are a lot of teams in the Premier League that would look at him.

“It’s really down to him. The lure of London and everything obviously helps so it wouldn’t surprise me if they’re a front runner.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

Conte will want to sign a backup for Dier in the central sweeper role if Rodon leaves the club this summer.

De Vrij would be high on Tottenham’s wishlist, given that he could be inexpensive and understands Conte’s system well.

However, the Dutchman might want regular game time at this stage of his career and he is more likely to get that at Villa Park or St James’ Park.

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