Newcastle United and Manchester United ‘approach’ soon-to-be free agent - potential deadline set

Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij has reportedly received ‘several proposals’ from around Europe amid interest from the likes of Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The experienced centre-back is currently in the final six months of his current contract at the San Siro and remains in talks over extending his four-year stay with the Serie A giants. However, SportItalia have suggested the 30-year-old has asked Inter for time before he makes a firm decision over his next move.

The report states De Vrij has asked for a deadline of mid-February before he decides whether to stay with the club he joined on a free transfer from Lazio in 2018 or to take his career elsewhere when his deal expires at the end of the season.

Villarreal and former club Feyenoord are said to be keen on a move for the Dutch international and Manchester United, Spurs and Newcastle are all believed to be prepared to offer him an opportunity to test his fortunes in the Premier League - with the Magpies described as ‘particularly interested’ in the defender.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster Rai Sport, De Vrij’s agent Federico Pastorello assessed the player’s current situation and linked it to the future of one of his current team-mates at the San Siro.

He said: “I don’t know if (Milan) Skriniar will go to PSG by the end of the transfer market in January, but what I can say is that the Inter managers have called me in these hours to speed up the contract renewal of De Vrij, who is my client. He wants to stay in Milan but there are also other clubs, especially the Spanish ones, who have been asking for him for some time.”

De Vrij will be in action on Saturday night when Inter look to boost their hopes of returning to the Champions League with a win in their visit to Cremonese.