Tottenham and two Premier League rivals suffer hammer blow over Serie A defensive target

Tottenham, Aston Villa and Leicester have been competing to sign highly-rated Inter Milan centre-back Stephen de Vrij in recent weeks, but a statement by his agent suggests he may stay in Italy. 

The 30-year-old’s current deal at the San Siro is due to run out at the end of the season, but he is reportedly now in discussions over signing a new contract.

This will come as a blow to the three Premier League sides, as well as Atletico Madrid, who are all looking to add defensive reinforcements in January.

TEAMtalk reported last week that De Vrij had been offered a new deal, but the offer was considerably less than his current one.

It is believed that the initial proposal was for a salary of €3.5m per season for two years with an option for a third. But, De Vrij and his entourage wanted him to remain at his current wages of €4.2m.

Since though, as reported by Sky Sports via TMV, his agent Federico Pastorello has insisted a new contract with Inter is still on the cards.

Pastorello said: “The dialogue with Inter is open, very open. Stefan is very happy that the club have reaffirmed their trust in him by expressing their desire to continue the relationship.”

“When a player of his age finds himself with an expiring contract, clearly many evaluations come into play besides the economic one.

“It will probably be his last major contract and when you are expiring you can also decide whether to have a new experience in a new country, in a new league.

“Having said that, however, his attachment to Inter is very strong and I don’t exclude that he might decide to stay.”

De Vrij has been a stalwart at centre-back for Inter

It’s unsurprising that Inter are keen to keep hold of their man, as he’s been a solid performer since joining from Lazio in 2018.

Last season, in 30 league appearances, De Vrij averaged 1.3 successful tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 1.7 clearances per game, helping the Milan side to nine clean sheets in a campaign where they missed out on the Serie A title by just two points.

In his time at the San Siro, the Dutchman has won one league title, a Coppa Italia and an Italian Super Cup, with De Vrij being key to all three successes.

He has also chalked up a total of 36 Champions League appearances during his time at both Lazio and Inter, so he has plenty of experience at the highest level.

While it looks likely Inter could now retain their player, they may still have to offer more than the initial contract proposal of €3.5m per season.

De Vrij is no stranger to running down his contract, though. When he joined the Milan side from Lazio four years ago he had an estimated value of £40m, but ultimately left on a free transfer – much to the annoyance of his previous club.

Therefore, you can see why Spurs, Villa and the Foxes thought Inter may want to avoid a similar fate by selling the Dutchman in January.

But, if his agent’s statement is to be believed, it’s unlikely the Netherlands international will be moving to the Premier League in January.

Although, a summer move isn’t impossible if an improved contract offer fails to materialise.

READ MORE: Tottenham backed to complete signing of potential World Cup winner ‘perfect for Conte style’