Tottenham Hotspur were reportedly keen on signing the Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij.
The 31-year-old will be out of contract at the end of the season and Tottenham are hoping to sign him on a free transfer.
The experienced Dutchman has played under Antonio Conte during their time together at the Italian club and he was a key player for the Italian manager back then. A report from Football Insider claims that Conte is a huge admirer of the 31-year-old and he has held extensive talks with the Inter Milan defender regarding a summer transfer.
However, it seems that De Vrij is keen on staying at the Italian club beyond this season and he is currently in talks with Inter Milan regarding a contract extension. The 31-year-old could sign a two-year deal with them.
The development will certainly come as a blow for the London club who were hoping to sign the defender for a bargain. Spurs need to add more quality and depth to their backline and De Vrij could have been a useful player for them.
The 31-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Inter Milan and he is no longer a key starter for them. His decision to continue at San Siro is certainly surprising. The Dutchman knows Antonio Conte’s system well and he could have made an immediate impact at the Premier League club next season.
Meanwhile, Tottenham will have to bring in a reliable partner for Cristian Romero and it remains to be seen who they end up signing eventually.
