Sources: AVFC can now seal cut-price transfer for £116k-p/w "monster", Lange must move - opinion

Aston Villa have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij, following reports regarding his potential price tag.

As per Football Insider sources, the Dutchman has reportedly been told he can leave the San Siro this summer, with any prospective buyer likely to only have to fork out £15m to secure his services in the upcoming window.

The report suggests that the 30-year-old – whose exiting deal is set to expire in June 2023 – is ‘yet to open talks’ regarding a potential contract extension, hence the drop off in the Serie A outfit’s asking price, having previously been valued at roughly £40m.

A previous report from the same publication revealed that Villa boss Steven Gerrard ‘wants to sign’ a high profile centre-back this summer with De Vrij one of those on the club’s radar, although they are likely to face competition from both Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United.

The stars are aligning for a potential swoop for the Midlands side, with the former Lazio man seemingly the key to solving their defensive woes, amid reports that they are keen on a new left-sided centre-back.

Although he has slotted in as part of a back three during his stint in Milan – as well as for his country – the 55-cap international would seemingly be able to comfortable slot in to a back four, while also offering Gerrard the flexibility to switch formation should he so wish.

At present, the Villa Park outfit have the tenth-worst defensive record in the Premier League, having conceded 46 goals so far this season, with the arrival of such a high-quality addition likely to alter that.

The £31.5m-rated man – who has been dubbed a “monster” by former teammate Maurizio – has impressed thus far in Simone Inzaghi’s