Source: Villa now looking to snap up Serie A star who is 'like Bonucci'; asking price slashed

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are among a number of clubs interested in signing Inter Milan centre-back Stefan de Vrij. 

Signed as a free agent from Serie A outfit Lazio in 2018 (Sky Sports), the Dutchman has been a mainstay for Inter ever since arriving at the San Siro.

The 30-year-old has amassed 161 appearances for the Nerazzurri and has taken his career total to 433 senior domestic outings in the process.

In that time, the former Feyenoord defender has lifted the Serie A title in 2020/21 and the Italian Super Cup twice.

As per a Football Insider recruitment source, the trio of Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle are all keen on bringing De Vrij to the Premier League.

The report claims that the future of the 55-cap Netherlands ace is ‘up in the air’, with his Inter contract expiring in 2023 (Transfermarkt).

It is also stated that the man who is ‘like Bonucci’, in the words of Antonio Conte, could be available for just £15m – a significant drop from his previous £40m asking price.

At the mooted price, this is a deal that Villa chief executive Christian Purslow simply must pursue in order to furnish Steven Gerrard with the reinforcements he needs in the Midlands.

Villa currently have Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, Calum Chambers and Kortney Hause making up the centre-back options, and none of those have covered themselves in glory this season, posting WhoScored ratings of 6.76 or lower.

De Vrij has helped Inter to keep five clean sheets this term, winning 61% of his duels, making one interception and completing 92% of his passes per game in Serie A (Sofascore), earning an overall performance rating of 6.87.

Coupled with his vast experience for both club and country, these figures make the Dutchman a genuine