Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Inter defender Stefan de Vrij would be a huge improvement to Newcastle if he was to join in the summer.
De Vrij is an experienced 30-year-old defender who has played 22 Serie A games for Inter this campaign, as per Transfermarkt.
FC Inter News has reported that Newcastle United are interested in the services of De Vrij, with the figure set to be around £25m if the Magpies want to bring him to St James’ Park, although the Dutchman is not thought to be keen on a move to Tyneside.
O’Rourke told GiveMeSport that with the current options that Eddie Howe has, De Vrij would be a ‘massive improvement’ if he did join Newcastle.
He said: “I think it’d be a great signing for someone like Newcastle. It would be a massive improvement on their current central defensive options as well.”
TIF Thoughts on Pete O’Rourke’s claims…
De Vrij is a 30-year-old Dutch international who could add some much-needed experience to the Newcastle backline. Although Eddie Howe’s side have picked up things as of late, only three sides have conceded more goals than their 46 in the Premier League this season.
The Inter defender is a consistent performer at the back – as per SofaScore, he has an average match rating of just above 7/10 over the last 12 months. And if you compare this to Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles, he has an average rating of 6.8 over the same period.
The Magpies signed Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion in January and he has already made a big difference at St James’ Park, as he hasn’t lost in his opening four games in a Newcastle shirt, so if De Vrij did join, they could become a solid defensive duo at the heart of the defence.
However, it does seem they’d have to pull out all the stops to convince him if the latest reports are true.