Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has set his sights on Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij, according to reports.
The Lowdown: De Vrij linked...
The Lilywhites have long been linked with a move for de Vrij with reports of their interest dating as far back as this time last year.
Inter's central defensive star has been on the radar of Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici since late 2021 with sources even sharing that the Netherlands international was open to joining.
Football Insider stated that de Vrij 'told friends' he was interested in signing for Spurs around 12 months ago, in the build up to 2022's January transfer window.
The 30-year-old has remained at the forefront of Conte's thinking as the same outlet now share a fresh update on Tottenham's pursuit.
The Latest: Conte eyes new Spurs move...
Indeed, there has been some news involving de Vrij and the north Londoners as Paratici seeks to build up Conte's squad for a possible Premier League title challenge in future.
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FI state that Spurs' head coach has 'long been a huge admirer' of the Dutchman and Tottenham retain a strong interest in the defender leading up to January.
This comes as Inter decrease his value to around the £10million mark, coming after he was priced at £40m last year.
De Vrij's contract at the San Siro expires in 2023, potentially forcing the Nerazzurri to cash in for a cheap fee mid-season.
The Verdict: Make the move?
For just £10m, a winter swoop for the experienced Serie A ace seems like a no-brainer.
Called a 'world class' player by former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson, de Vrij boasts solid defensive statistics over his seven league appearances thus far.
According to WhoScored, he ranks in Simone Inzaghi's top two for interceptions and clearances made per 90 and no other Inter player has won more aerial duels on average.
It would be a very low risk financial move for quite the proven defender.