Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has just been handed a major boost in the hunt to sign Inter Milan star Stefan de Vrij this summer, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Conte eyes move…
The Italian, who is reportedly plotting a major overhaul at Spurs over the next transfer window, has allegedly targeted Inter’s central defensive ace as part of his summer plans for the Premier League side.
De Vrij was a mainstay in Conte’s 2020/2021 Scudetto-winning side with reports claiming that the 52-year-old wants to bring his former star to north London.
Indeed, Tottenham are firmly in the mix for de Vrij as his San Siro contract continues to run down.
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Currently set to expire in 2023, the Dutchman is entering his final year at Inter, prompting clubs to sit up and take note – including Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paritici.
The Latest: Conte gifted boost…
According to Football Insider, an extremely promising update has now come to light, with Inter now willing to green-light his sale at well under half of his original price tag.
As per their ‘recruitment source’, the cash-strapped European heavyweights have told de Vrij he can leave for just £15 million.
That’s £25m less than what they were previously demanding at £40m, opening the door for Spurs and other interested clubs to snip the colossal defender at a bargain price.
The Verdict: Take advantage…
A centre-half is said to be one of Conte’s major priorities this summer and sealing de Vrij’s signing at such a meagre price would certainly go some way to appeasing the ex-Chelsea boss.
Lauded as a would-be ‘unbelievable signing’ by journalist Dean Jones, the 30-year-old proved his quality under Conte at Inter last season – making more clearances per 90 than any Inter player in Serie A (WhoScored).
He also completed a brilliant 93.8% of his passes out from the back, highlighting his composure and assurance as an elite, ball-playing defender who would seriously upgrade Tottenham’s backline.
While his age indicates he wouldn’t be too much of a long-term option, de Vrij could certainly plug gaps in the meantime, and for £15m Spurs have little to lose.
In other news: Source: Conte now green-lights exit for ‘perfect’ Spurs player who ‘100%’ wants to quit! Find out more here.
