Aston Villa keeping tabs on Stefan de Vrij

Premier League side Aston Villa have set their sights on Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij and could make a summer move for him.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa made signing a top-rated centre-back their priority for the summer transfer window. They have identified Inter Milan mainstay Stefan de Vrij as a potential signing. The Dutchman is expected to cost around £40 million, with the value possibly reducing as we approach the transfer market.

Aston Villa are planning for a massive summer, with the permanent signing of Philippe Coutinho on their agenda as well. Manager Steven Gerrard is also eager to add a central defender to their ranks, and they are thus monitoring de Vrij.

The Dutch international has been with the Serie A giants since the 2018 summer window when he joined from Lazio on a free transfer. Since then, he has been a mainstay in the Nerrazzuri defence and was an integral part of the side that won the Scudetto under Antonio Conte in the 2020/21 season.

De Vrij has continued to feature prominently in the centre of defence for the Italian club, making 29 appearances for them across competitions this season. He is currently nursing a calf injury but has been one of the first names on the teamsheet under Simone Inzaghi otherwise.

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De Vrij will have just a year remaining on his contract after the current season, and he is thus being linked with a move away from the club. Newcastle United and Barcelona have been credited with an interest in the Netherlands international, while Tottenham are also keen on the centre-back. And Aston Villa have also emerged as potential suitors.

The Premier League side have had a fairly solid season since Gerrard took over the reins, and are currently ninth in the Premier League. They signed Calum Chambers on a free transfer in the winter window earlier this year but are still considering adding another centre-back to the mix ahead of the next season.

Also Read: Three potential Premier League destinations for Stefan de Vrij

De Vrij, to that end, would be a solid addition and could help Aston Villa move further up the Premier League table. But it remains to be seen if they manage to complete the signing, warding off interest from other suitors.