Aston Villa have approached the agent of Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij over a potential move.

The Lowdown: Defender wanted

Unai Emery looks set to be backed in 2023 by NSWE with a ‘huge’ January budget and seemingly wants a new centre-back in the Midlands.

Reports following Emery’s arrival suggested that Villa will be in the market for a new left-sided defender and are planning a future without Tyrone Mings as a key player.

De Vrij, who is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, has now emerged as a new target for Villa, and by extension sporting director Johan Lange, with an update in the last 48 hours.

The Latest: De Vrij approach

FC Inter News provided an update regarding De Vrij on Thursday, revealing that Aston Villa, Leicester City and Atletico Madrid ‘have asked agent Federico Pastorello for information’.

The report adds that the centre-back is set for talks over a new contract with Inter and is hopeful an agreement can be reached, although he knows he has admirers elsewhere.

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The Verdict: One to watch?

It seems as if a transfer is unlikely at this stage with De Vrij looking at extending his Inter Milan stay, however, it could still be one to watch in 2023.

The 30-year-old, hailed as a 'world-beater' by former Leeds striker Noel Whelan, is currently away with the Netherlands at the World Cup, so talks may not get underway until the New Year.

Villa would be able to present a pre-contract agreement offer in January, should his situation remain the same, so there could be a chance that the lure of the Premier League and working under Emery could sway the defender.