Tottenham Hotspur target Stefan de Vrij is reportedly close to agreeing a new contract at Inter Milan.
De Vrij is thought to have spoken extensively with Spurs boss Antonio Conte in recent weeks about a potential move to North London, but that seems unlikely now with the Dutch defender looking set to stay at San Siro.
The 31-year-old has been a frequent substitute this season, with Inter manager Simone Inzaghi often preferring the trio of Milan Skriniar, Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi in his back three.
Even in Skriniar's absence recently, natural full-back Matteo Darmian has been preferred as the third centre-back, but reports from Football Insider claim De Vrij is on the verge of signing a two-year extension to his contract which expires in the summer.
The Dutch defender was a regular at the back under Conte when they won the Serie A title in 2020-21, playing as part of a three-man defence which the Italian manager has implemented at Spurs too.
Clement Lenglet was Tottenham's only central defensive purchase at the start of the season, and his loan has not been as successful as first hoped, with the Frenchman expected to return to parent club Barcelona at the end of the campaign.
That means Spurs will be on the lookout for defensive reinforcements, but they may have to focus their attention elsewhere if De Vrij agrees terms with Inter.
Andrew Delaney
