Newcastle United are reportedly happy to sign Stefan De Vrij once the summer transfer window opens.
The Lowdown: Centre-back wanted
After missing out on the likes of Sven Botman and Diego Carlos in January, the St. James’ Park club settled on Brighton defender Dan Burn, but they could go for another one in the summer to further elevate the quality of the backline.
Ciaran Clark has been axed from their 25-man Premier League squad, casting his future at the club in doubt, and given that the Magpies currently have the fourth-worst defensive record in the top flight, another centre-back may now be looked at for the summer.
The Latest: De Vrij eyed
As per FC Inter News, Newcastle have now expressed an interest in signing De Vrij this summer and are reportedly ‘happy’ to pay a fee in the region of €25m (£20.9m) for his signature.
They are also willing to more than double his current wages at Inter Milan, but De Vrij does not seem interested in a move to Tyneside at this moment in time.
The Verdict: Get it done
Labelled as ‘world class’ by former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson, De Vrij is one of the elite players in his position, featuring push for back-to-back Serie A titles.
At 6 foot 2, the Netherlands international is a threat in both penalty areas, as emphasised by the 2.5 aerial duels he wins per Serie A game, the most out of anyone at Inter to have made 10 or more appearances this term.
He was even once dubbed a ‘monster’ by former Lazio defender Mauricio, so signing him up is surely a no-brainer for the Magpies.
In other news, find out what ‘huge’ Allan Saint-Maximin claim has now been dropped here!