According to Football Insider, Antonio Conte wants Tottenham Hotspur to raid Inter Milan for centre-back Stefan de Vrij when the transfer window reopens in January.
With the Conte era now set to begin at Spurs, various reports have indicated that the Italian has been promised a sizeable transfer war chest by the North London club.
If Football Insider are to be believed, the Italian wants to prioritise strengthening in central defence and has identified De Vrij as the top target.
The report claims that in his discussions with Fabio Paratici, Conte has asked the Spurs managing director of football to raid his former club for the Netherlands international.
The new Spurs boss has allegedly suggested that the 29-year-old could be lured away from the San Siro.
Meanwhile, Paratici is thought to believe that a deal for the former Lazio defender is on the cards due to Inter’s financial struggles.
The report adds that De Vrij, whose contract runs until the summer of 2023, is valued by the Nerrazuri at around £40m.
Let’s take a look at how some Spurs fans reacted:
He's legit world class in a back 3shame its footy insider
— Josh (@josh_wiggan) November 2, 2021
what about skriniar? ive watched neither play but i know tottenham were interested in him a while back and i also know hes younger…
— Lewis (@_tavszn) November 2, 2021
When he sees our midfield CB signings will not be a priority
— Lee Smith (@LeeSmith2000) November 2, 2021
https://twitter.com/TheOnlyKailahh/status/1455618209508470786
https://twitter.com/AKspurs/status/1455618198934589444
VAMOOOOSSSS NO MORE ERIC DIER
— #BackConte RJ🇮🇹 (@RjLevyOut) November 2, 2021
HES SO GOOD
— 🃏 (@WuTangTHFC) November 2, 2021
Unlikely. Under contract until 2023 and inter are fighting for the title. They have no incentive to let him go in the middle of the season.
Just the regular link bc of past history together,
— Simon Yemane (@simonyemane) November 2, 2021
Imagine we pull in all three 😍
— Dave 🇦🇺🦘 (@SpursyDave) November 2, 2021
Get Skriniar 3 years his junior
— Brian (@Brian_coys) November 2, 2021
Spurs Web Opinion
I suspect Conte would want to prioritise strengthening at centre-back and defensive midfield in January as he needs players with very specific characteristics in those positions, given the way he sets his teams up.
If Conte uses a back three, none of the options we have at centre-back would be ideal for playing as the central sweeper, which is why I suspect the Italian wants to bring in De Vrij.