Inter Milan have frozen contract talks with Stefan de Vrij leaving the Tottenham Hotspur target facing an uncertain future at the Serie A champions, as reported by Calciomercato.
While the Nerazzurri aren’t under quite so much pressure to raise funds these days – Achraf Hakimi’s £60 million move to Paris Saint-Germain has eased the club’s financial fears to an extent – that doesn’t mean things can get back to normal at the San Siro.
Inter are looking to extend De Vrij’s contract, with the Dutch defender currently tied down until 2023.
But with the club’s Chinese owners still counting the cost of the pandemic, De Vrij’s future suddenly feels more uncertain than ever.
Mino Raiola, agent of the former Lazio ace, gave a new deal the green light a few months ago.
Inter, however, have been forced to call off negotiations for the time being, with the finances involved making things increasingly difficult.
Is Stefan de Vrij heading to Tottenham?
And this development should pique the interest of Fabio Paratici, with Tottenham’s new director of football looking to bring in a man who caught his eye during his time at Juventus.
Inter Live reported a few weeks ago that Spurs were looking to bring De Vrij and Inter teammate Marcelo Brozovic to north London in a double deal that would set them back £40 million – about £20 million for each player.
One of the most talented and reliable centre-halves in Europe would certainly be a welcome addition to the Tottenham side. Individual mistakes cost them dear throughout a miserable 2020/21 campaign.
Toby Alderweireld, meanwhile, has his heart set on a fresh start away from the Premier League (Athletic).
New Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi will be desperate to keep De Vrij, having worked with the Netherlands international during his time at Lazio.
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