Newcastle United’s interest in Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij ‘could become something more concrete in the coming days’ as he decides his future.
That’s according to FC Inter News, who say the Dutchman has made it clear that money is not the only deciding factor for him.
De Vrij is out of contract at Inter Milan in the summer and yet to sign an extension to that deal, meaning he is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with teams around Europe for the summer should he wish.
He’s been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League as a result, with several reports throughout January and since making it clear that Newcastle are admirers.
They remain keen to keep bolstering their squad this summer, particularly if they qualify for the Champions League, and De Vrij is seen as a smart investment given his experience and the fact he is available on a free.
FC Inter News confirm that the Magpies are among the clubs who are interest, putting them in the battle alongside Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, Leicester and Nice for his signature.
Those clubs have only made ‘soundings’ so far but there is a belief their interest ‘could become something more concrete’ in the coming days.
What that means exactly isn’t made clear but it would likely be in the form of a formal approach to the player, and perhaps even a contract offer.
That is something they are yet to do, with the only serious offer so far arriving from Villarreal in December when they were chasing a replacement for Raul Albiol.
That was not accepted as De Vrij remains focused on finding a deal with Inter, even telling journalists “we are talking. We are on very good terms which is a very important thing.”
He would ‘gladly stay’ with the Italian side but at the moment that is not close to happening and Newcastle appear ready to test his resolve.
