According to reports coming out of Italy, Newcastle could be ‘the possible destination’ for Stefan de Vrij.
Back in May, Football Insider pitted the Magpies among several contenders for the Inter Milan man’s signature.
The 58-cap Netherlands international has played 173 times for Inter but it appears his future could lie elsewhere.
A Serie A and Italian Cup winner, de Vrij will see his contract at the San Siro expire at the end of the current campaign and there are no reports surrounding a fresh deal for the Dutchman.
As per Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness the Nerazzurri and de Vrij are ‘preparing for a long goodbye’ with the 6 ft 2 in beast to be ‘released on a free transfer next summer.’
While Newcastle’s interest in the Dutch defender dates back to before they signed Sven Botman, the source suggests that a deal for his compatriot could come to fruition.
It states that, although ‘the voices of Newcastle’s interest never had a concrete following, it’s possible that, in the coming months, there could be a rekindling from the Saudi-owned club.’
While a move in both January and summer of 2023 have been touted, Gazzetta have put Tyneside as ‘the possible destination’ for the £116k-per-week ace.
Despite turning 31 this February, de Vrij has a tremendous pedigree that could have a positive influence on some of the players in the Newcastle changing room.
Perhaps none more so than Botman, who might benefit from working day-to-day with the ‘monster’, as he has been described by his former Lazio teammate Mauricio.
The Feyenoord academy graduate has made 24 appearances in the Champions League, all at Inter, while also playing over 220 matches in Italy’s top-flight.
A seasoned-veteran that would be sure to rub off on Botman, who was reduced to the bench by his manager Eddie Howe, due to inferior leadership abilities and experience for the visit of Bournemouth, which suggests exploring a deal in the coming months wouldn’t be a bad option for PIF, especially considering it wouldn’t cost them a penny next summer.
