TuttoMercatoWeb claim Tottenham and Newcastle have been informed that a price tag of £17million will convince Inter Milan to cash in on Stefan de Vrij. But at that price, West Ham need to throw their hat into the ring.
De Vrij, 30, is about to enter the last 12 months of his contract at Inter Milan – after four years with the Nerrazzuri. In that time, the 55-time Netherlands ace has clocked up 155 games for Inter, winning last season’s Serie A title.
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But with his contract situation up in the air, a move to the Premier League looks as though it is becoming more and more likely. TMW say £17million will be enough to convince them to cash in on de Vrij in the coming weeks.
Newcastle and Tottenham are said to be interested in signing the defender for the bargain fee, but surely West Ham need him more than Spurs and the Toon? Especially, after both Spurs and Newcastle made defensive signings.
West Ham should battle Newcastle and Tottenham in race for de Vrij?
Tottenham brought in Cristian Romero and Antonio Conte has rejuvenated Eric Dier. They also boast Ben Davies, Japhet Tanganga, Davinson Sanchez and Joe Rodon. They could do with cover for Davies, a left-footed defender.
De Vrij is right-footed. Newcastle perhaps need a defender more so, but signed Dan Burn in January – and still have Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar and are likely to go after Sven Botman and Diego Carlos again.
West Ham need a centre-back more so. Playing three at the back at times, Angelo Ogbonna remains injured and turns 34 in May. Issa Diop is inconsistent and in European competition, they need a top-tier defender.
De Vrij would be a massive improvement on their current options. It would give the Inter ace the chance to play in, likely, the Europa League and live in London. The Hammers need to join the race for de Vrij, at £17million.
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