Newcastle "should be looking" to sign £15m ace who can be "face of the new project" - journalist

Newcastle United ‘should be looking to sign’ Inter defender Stefan de Vrij this summer, according to Italian football expert Conor Clancy.

The Magpies are one of several sides linked with a move for the 30-year-old, who is widely expected to depart San Siro following the conclusion of the current campaign.

According to Football Insider, De Vrij has been informed by Inter chiefs that he is free to leave the club when the market reopens for business.

It’s claimed that Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Newcastle are all closely monitoring the Netherlands international’s situation, who is said to be available for £15 million.

De Vrij was a pivotal part of Inter’s title-winning campaign last term, contributing to the best defensive record in the division as Antonio Conte’s charges ended the club’s 11-year wait for a Serie A crown.

However, the 6 foot 2 ace’s current contract is set to expire in just over a years’ time, and with no deal appearing on the horizon, he could be sold to help ease the Nerazzurri’s extensive financial woes.

A move to the Premier League appears to be the most likely next step in De Vrij’s outstanding career, but where exactly he’ll by plying his trade remains up in the air.

Clancy believes De Vrij has the ability and stature to become ‘the face of the new project’ under the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s ownership.

He told GiveMeSport: “I think for Newcastle, this is the type of player that they should be looking to sign because they’ve got a lot of money, and they’re going to spend huge money on some players, but you also need the players that don’t cost too much but offer a lot.

“And I think De Vrij is one of those for that type of team; he can be the player who comes in and is the face of the new