---
title: "Tottenham told they have ‘trump card’ in Stefan De Vrij race"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-spurs-stefan-de-vrij-latest-transfer-rumours/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Premier League News"
published: "2022-12-15T17:35:19Z"
modified: "2022-12-15T17:35:19Z"
---

# Tottenham told they have ‘trump card’ in Stefan De Vrij race

**[Tottenham Hotspur](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-news/) have been told by pundit Tam McManus they have one ‘trump card’ as they reportedly lead the race for Inter Milan star Stefan de Vrij.**

### The Lowdown: Spurs emerge ‘as the frontrunners’ for de Vrij…

As per recent reports, Spurs boss Antonio Conte has been boosted in the pursuit of his former defender.

[Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/tottenham-have-trump-card-in-stefan-de-vrij-signing-race-after-sources-update-pundit/) claim the Lilywhites have ’emerged as the frontrunners to sign De Vrij’ after an update on December 10, coming as sporting director Fabio Paratici reportedly [set his sights](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-news/premier-league-spurs-pau-torres-transfer-update/) on a new defender.

Tottenham’s recent[Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) record before the [World Cup](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/world-cup-2022/) break highlights their need for reinforcements considering they’ve conceded 11 goals in their last five league games – [more than anyone](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) in the top four.

### The Latest: Spurs told they have de Vrij ‘trump card’…

Speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/tottenham-have-trump-card-in-stefan-de-vrij-signing-race-after-sources-update-pundit/), former SPFL defender McManus has shared what could give Spurs the edge over their competitors for de Vrij in January.

[Tottenham latest news!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-3/)

*“They \[Spurs\] have conceded more goals than Everton and West Ham as well as far more than all of the teams around them.*

*“If they really want to kick on in the second half of the season then they need to stop conceding goals. Clean sheets will get them into the Champions League.*

*“You bring in a guy like De Vrij, who knows Conte so well, that could help to focus minds. He’s a veteran who can pass on knowledge to those younger or less experienced players.*

*“Conte could be the trump card in that one if there are a lot of clubs interested. They won the league together so you have to assume they have a great relationship.*

*“I think this is one of the more likely deals to happen in January.”*

### The Verdict: Great player…

The 30-year-old is an experienced figurehead who could add real steal to Conte’s backline.

As per [WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/75/Show/Italy-Inter), de Vrij ranks as Inter’s top defender for interceptions and clearances made per 90 – not to mention top seven players overall in Simone Inzaghi’s squad.

Conte knows him well and the Dutchman’s record suggests he could do a job for Spurs in England.