Manchester United are interested in signing Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij, according to a report from Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness).Â
The lowdown: De Vrij’s career so far
A vastly experienced operator, the 30-year-old Dutchman started out at Eredivisie club Feyenoord before moving to Lazio in 2014, where he made 118 outings and lifted the Italian Super Cup.
Signed on a free transfer by Serie A rivals Inter in 2018 (Sky Sports), the powerful centre-back has amassed 165 appearances for the Nerazzurri, playing a huge role in the team which lifted the Italian top-flight title in 2020/21 as he started 30 matches in that triumphant campaign.
As compatriot Erik ten Hag now attempts to begin a new era in charge at Old Trafford, De Vrij is seemingly among those being targeted to spearhead the transformation…
The latest: United keen on De Vrij
As per Gazzetta dello Sport, translated by Sport Witness, United are watching the 57-cap defender’s situation with intent.
It’s claimed that the developments will be ‘monitored in the coming days’ as Inter line up a replacement for the man who was hailed as a ‘brilliant player’ by team-mate Milan Skriniar upon signing for the San Siro giants.
Fast approaching the final 12 months of a contract and valued at £25.2m (Transfermarkt), the Red Devils could be given further encouragement in their pursuit over the coming weeks.
The verdict: Make it happen
De Vrij continued to have an impact at the very highest level in 2021/22 as he earned an impressive 6.88 Sofascore rating whilst winning 3.9 duels and making 1.7 clearances, 1.3 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game in Serie A, showcasing a prominent defensive mindset.
Standing at 6 foot 3 and boasting 436 senior outings overall, the powerful defender would bring further experience and a presence to a United team which often lacked assertiveness throughout the 2021/22 campaign, conceding a pitiful 57 league goals (the same number as they scored).
While signing the 30-year-old wouldn’t necessarily represent the start of the next generation in Manchester, the Dutch centre-back’s nous, quality and ability to lead a defence would make him a superb addition to the Old Trafford ranks as Ten Hag looks to fix the issues in that department.
In other news – Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd and Ten Hag are now in ‘new’ talks for ‘huge talent’ as well as De Jong
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