Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have made contact with the representatives of Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij ahead of a possible move.
FC Inter News report that De Vrij’s representatives are waiting for a new contract offer from Inter with the defender out of contract in 2023.
De Vrij isn’t a priority right now, and that means his representatives are fielding enquiries from elsewhere.
Tottenham are keen given that boss Antonio Conte coached De Vrij at Inter, whilst Newcastle also want him.
Barcelona are in the mix too having opened contact with De Vrij’s representatives.
It’s understood that the talks so far are with a view to a summer move rather than January, with clubs sensing a bargain inside the final year of his deal.
Tottenham surely more likely than Newcastle for De Vrij
To play the way Conte wants, Tottenham need to add defensive options and he knows De Vrij inside out.
Tottenham have real hopes of the top four under Conte, or at least the Europa League.
Conversely, Newcastle are battling against relegation and their exciting new project may take a while to get going.
When you add those factors together, De Vrij seems more likely to join Tottenham over Newcastle, rejoining Conte in the process.
Newcastle will hope their cash can tip the balance in their favour, but beating Tottenham to De Vrij won’t be easy.
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