Italian outlet FC Inter News claim Fulham have opened talks to sign Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij on a free transfer ahead of the January window – amid reports that both Newcastle and Tottenham also want the Dutchman.
De Vrij, 30, is in the final year of his contract with the Nerrazzuri. Joining Inter in 2018, he has gone on to play 173 times in all competitions for the 2020-21 Serie A champions. But a new deal under Simone Inzaghi looks unlikely.
That is, despite starting six of Inter’s seven Serie A games so far this season. Indeed, L’Interista reported this week that Antonio Conte wants a reunion at Tottenham. Newcastle want to partner him with fellow Dutchman Sven Botman.
However, the latest report claims that Newcastle last held talks for de Vrij in June. Re-opening those talks could still happen if he does become available on a pre-contract from January 1. But the report mentions a new club.
Marco Silva’s Fulham are also keen on signing de Vrij and have been in talks with the £116,000-a-week defender over a move. The Cottagers have been going well so far, and have the financial backing to be able to entice de Vrij.
Fulham talks to sign de Vrij amid Tottenham and Newcastle reports
What a coup it would be for Fulham. Not least because de Vrij is considered to be a Champions League-standard defender, but also because of the financial power of Newcastle and Tottenham. However, Fulham might be best.
At Newcastle, he would start. But the chances are that the Toon will continue their spending. So, de Vrij will end up being replaced soon after he joins. He would struggle to start at Spurs. But at Fulham, he could start for years.
So, a move to West London instead of North, or up North to Newcastle, might actually make more sense. At his age, de Vrij might have one proper chance to play in the Premier League – and it looks likely he will not pass that up.
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