Journalist says £116k-p/w Newcastle target would be "massive improvement" on current CB options

Inter defender Stefan de Vrij would be a ‘massive improvement’ on Newcastle United’s current options, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Magpies have been linked to several centre-backs since their Saudi-backed takeover was completed last year and are expected to add further reinforcements in that area of the pitch over the summer.

According to FC Inter News, Newcastle have ‘expressed an interest’ in signing De Vrij ahead of next season and would be willing to splash out €25 million (£20.9m) to secure his services.

However, the report also states that St. James’ Park is not a destination that ‘piques his interest’ and that Eddie Howe’s charges are set to face extensive competition for his signature.

Fellow Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be keen to snap up De Vrij, with manager Antonio Conte eager to be reunited with his former player, while Barcelona are also listed as potential suitors.

The Netherlands international – who is valued at £40.5m by Transfermarkt – has just under 18 months left on his current £116,000-per-week contract at San Siro and has so far shown no signs of putting pen to paper on fresh terms.

Therefore, Inter may be forced to sell De Vrij when the market reopens to avoid losing one of their most highly-regarded players on a free transfer.

After failed moves for Sven Botman and Diego Carlos during the January transfer window, Newcastle eventually signed Dan Burn from Brighton in a £13m deal.

And Burn’s arrival has helped spark a dramatic turnaround in the North East outfit’s defensive resolve, with just four top-flight goals being leaked during 2022.

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But O’Rourke still believes