Newcastle transfer news: Magpies eye move for £117k-p/w star set for exit

Follow us on Google Discover

Newcastle United could reportedly make a concrete move to sign Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij amid rumours that the centre-back will decide on his future this week.

According to FC Inter News, the Magpies could launch an attempt to sign the Netherlands international should De Vrij decide to leave the Serie A giants at the end of this season, where the defender’s contract with Inter is currently due to expire.

The news comes after De Vrij made some interesting comments to the press, with the defender saying via Fabrizio Romano on his Inter future: “We’re in very good relationship with Inter board, we’re in talks on new contract so let’s see what happens. Spanish clubs want me? My agent said that, I’m now focused on the games and we’ll see.”

With Newcastle now looking to sign De Vrij, this week could be a crucial one in Eddie Howe’s attempt to bring the 31-year-old to the Premier League in the summer, with the Toon well-suited to win the race for the Inter star given their current top-four status.

Moreover, with a reported wage of £117,000-a-week, Newcastle have the capacity via their PIF owners to match De Vrij’s salary, with the defender also a player who could greatly improve the St. James Park side’s already incredible centre-back options.

Indeed, Newcastle have had one of the best defences in Europe this season, and adding De Vrij to the likes of Dan Burn and fellow countryman Sven Botman will add even more solidity to Howe’s backline, with the Dutchman himself likely keen on a move.

Newcastle signing De Vrij for free could be an exceptional summer transfer

Newcastle have spent their vast wealth extremely smartly in the past 12 months, and with the summer expected to be a big one for the Magpies, signing De Vrij for free could be one of the best deals the northeast side make in the PIF era of the club.

As we know, De Vrij is one of the best defenders in Europe who is well into his peak years at Inter. And for Newcastle, signing the centre-back for free in the summer will both improve the squad massively but also be a huge sign of intent from the Toon ahead of the new season.