Tottenham Hotspur have made their interest abundantly clear in Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij, according to FcInterNews.
The report claims that the 30-year-old, who is out of contract in June of next year (transfermarkt). had already agreed to a new deal with the Serie A giants until the summer of 2025 worth around €4.5m (£3.7m) per year , however, the current financial issues at the Italian club have caused a delay and putting pen to paper is not high up on their agenda.
Spurs head coach Antonio Conte knows the Dutch centre half well, having worked with him during his time in charge at the San Siro.
De Vrij’s agent Mino Raiola has been sounding out interest in his client across Europe with Barcelona also keen.
Tottenham, however, are said to have made a strong move for the defender with the offer described as being the most convincing received to date.
De Vrij has previously been asked about a reunion with Conte, who guided Inter to their first Serie A title in 10 years last season (Ziggosport).
SpursWeb Opinion
De Vrij is used to playing in a back three and knows exactly what Conte expects of his defenders, having played 66 games across two campaigns under his former boss.
Tottenham have looked defensively frail against Wolves and Southampton with Davinson Sanchez and Ben Davies hardly covering themselves in glory. While Cristian Romero is head and shoulders above the pair, Eric Dier has been greatly missed due to injury and another reliable defender has to be high on the club’s summer shopping list.