Netherlands' Stefan de Vrij applauds fans after the match
Tottenham ‘could now turn attention to signing’ Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij after missing out on Milan Skriniar.
The Lowdown: Spurs chase central defender?
The north Londoners are reliably thought to be targeting new central defenders this summer with the likes of Marc Guehi and Alessandro Bastoni on their agenda.
Antonio Conte‘s side have shipped more Premier League goals than any side in the top half, highlighting the real need for defensive reinforcements.
Spurs were linked with a move for Skriniar, but after the Slovakian’s decision to join Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain on a free deal, it appears the north Londoners could target his teammate instead.
The Latest: Lilywhites turn towards de Vrij?
According to Football Insider, Netherlands international de Vrij may now become a transfer target for Spurs and sporting director Fabio Paratici.
It is claimed that Tottenham ‘could now turn attention to signing’ the 31-year-old who, like Skriniar, also sees his Inter deal expire at the end of this season.
The Verdict: Get it done…
On a free transfer, de Vrij represents real value for money in a very similar vain to Skriniar.
The colossal centre-back has attracted huge praise in recent seasons for his Serie A performances and is also very familiar with Spurs boss Conte.
The pair worked together at Inter during the Nerazzurri’s 2020/2021 title-winning campaign, and if Conte stays past this season, de Vrij could certainly contribute towards reinforcing Tottenham’s backline.
According to WhoScored, while the player hasn’t featured as regularly as in previous seasons, he has impressed statistically when available.
Indeed, de Vrij has averaged more interceptions and clearances per 90 than any Inter player this campaign, backing the real endorsements he’s received over the last few years.
Members of the media, like podcaster Alex Donno, have even once called him ‘Europe’s most underrated centre back’.
Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson, meanwhile, said de Vrij is the ‘absolutely perfect fit’ for Conte’s side.
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