Wales v Netherlands - Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Britain - June 8, 2022. Netherlands' Stefan de Vrij applauds fans after the match.
Tottenham Hotspur have made contact to sign Inter Milan defender Stefan De Vrij next summer, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Lenglet replacement
Antonio Conte recently signed Clement Lenglet on loan, but with him set to return to Barcelona at the end of the season, a long-term centre-back replacement is needed.
The 30-year-old’s contract is due to expire in 2023 so there’s a strong chance that any potential suitors could land him for free, and the Lilywhites are just one club who appear keen to bring him to the Premier League.
The Latest: Spurs make De Vrij enquiry
According to Italian outlet Il Interista (via Sport Witness), Tottenham have already ‘made contact’ with De Vrij’s representatives to ‘test the ground’ of a potential move next summer.
It’s stated that Conte is a ‘great admirer’ of the colossus having previously worked with him in Italy, with Spurs set to use the boss as ‘bait’ to attract their target to the capital.
Fellow top-flight rivals Newcastle United are believed to be interested in his signature having also made an official enquiry.
The Verdict: Reunion on the cards?
Having that existing connection to Conte could give Fabio Paratici an advantage in the race for De Vrij’s services, and the director of football should do everything he can to fend off his competitors and land the player.
The Dutchman, dubbed a ‘world-beater’ by former BBC pundit Noel Whelan, currently wins 3.1 of his aerial duels per 90 in Serie A, alongside averaging two clearances and 1.7 interceptions per game (WhoScored).
De Vrij being available on a free would be an absolute bargain, and he could add plenty of experience to the heart of Spurs’ backline in a welcomed reunion with his former boss.
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