Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij believes he is in the form of his life as Fabio Paratici looks to bring the Netherlands international to Tottenham Hotspur, speaking to Sky Italia, via Sempre Milan.
It’s not a transfer window until De Vrij is being linked with a move to the Premier League.
And, although it took until the middle of June for the rumours to resurface, it came as no surprise when Inter Live claimed earlier this week that the commanding Dutchman had been lined up to enhance a Spurs defence that looks about as secure as a six-story mansion made from shortbread.
Paratici, the former Juventus director, reportedly wants to sign De Vrij and Croatian playmaker Marcelo Brozovic in a double-deal that would set Spurs back £40 million – £19 million for the former and £21 million for the latter.
And if you were wondering why Inter would consider selling two of their Scudetto-winning stars for half the fee Newcastle paid for Joelinton, a perilous financial situation means the Nerazzurri may have no choice but to accept cut-price bids for De Vrij and co.
Tottenham and Paratici are keen on De Vrij
De Vrij would be a major loss too.
Arguably the most reliable centre-half in Serie A, Inter would be losing a man who, by his own admission, has never played better.
“In Italy, I’ve learned a lot about the tactical aspect of the game. I have played there for seven years and I have made huge steps forward that have made me stronger as a defender,” says the former Lazio and Feyenoord stopper, who had previously been linked with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
“I am experiencing the best period of my career. I have learned so much about the game.”
De Vrij has maintained his impressive form at Euro 2020 too, standing out in the injury-enforced absence of Virgil van Dijk as the Netherlands secured their place in the round of 16 last night.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
