Tottenham transfer news: Serie A centre-back opens door to potential free transfer after beginning new agent search

A top Tottenham centre-back target has seemingly opened the door to a potential move next year after beginning his search for a new agent.

Antonio Conte spent much of the summer trying to bring in a top quality central defender and was strongly linked with the likes of Milan Skriniar, Alessandro Bastoni, Gleison Bremer, Josko Gvardiol and Stefan De Vrij.

However, Spurs ended up signing Clement Lenglet on a season-long loan from Barcelona.

Conte’s search is not over though and the final name on that list remains a realistic option for Tottenham. However, whether it’s in January or in the summer of 2023 remains to be seen.

Inter Milan star De Vrij’s current contract runs out next summer, meaning he’s free to sign a pre-contract from January.

And the fact he’s after a new agent is more likely to suggest that he’s looking for a way out of Milan rather than extending his stay further, as stated by FC Inter News.

CaclioMercatoWeb reported back in August that Inter were hoping to tie the Dutchman down to a new deal worth £2.5m. However, that is a massive million a year less than he currently earns.

The report adds that if the 30-year-old does not put pen-to-paper then Tottenham could snap De Vrij up on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.

To that end, it appears that the Netherlands star’s future is very much in the balance.

Once he gets a new representative on board things are certain to become clearer. So far, De Vrij is known to have spoken to series of agents, including Federico Pastorello.

De Vrij delaying over new Inter talks

The report goes to add that whoever De Vrij appoints as his agent, the experienced defender is not likely to sign a new deal with the Nerazzurri at least for a few more months.

De Vrij is viewed as someone who could provide competition for Eric Dier centrally.

That seems somewhat unfair given how well the England international has played over the last 18 months or so.

Skriniar or Bastoni would have been the more natural fits on the left side. Especially, given that Lenglet is only on loan and there’s no option to buy.

However, Ben Davies is back from injury to challenge for that left-sided spot. He came off the bench against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday night to replace the Frenchman.

The Wales international could now return to the starting XI for Saturday’s tough trip to Brighton.

Conte’s men will be looking to get back to winning ways after their loss to Arsenal last weekend and then the Champions League draw in Germany.

However, the game at The Amex will be a sombre occasion for Tottenham after their fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone passed away aged 61.

A truly remarkable man. I’m devastated by the passing of our coach Gian Piero. My love and strength is with his family at this time. His words and wisdom will live on with me for the rest of my life and I’m just grateful I had the opportunity to spend time with him. RIP Prof 💙💙 pic.twitter.com/AK1kgkruIH

— Harry Kane (@HKane) October 6, 2022

After being diagnosed with leukaemia just days ago, he is said to have declined quickly, dying in hospital in Naples.

A Tottenham statement read: “He will be greatly missed by everyone at the club. And our thoughts are with his family and friends at this impossibly sad time.”

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