Report: ‘Outstanding’ Newcastle target likened to Bonucci now available for cut-price deal in January

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Newcastle United target and Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij will be available to sign for just £4m in January.

According to Calciomercato, the Serie A giants have conceded to the fact that they are set to lose the 30-year-old, as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

After failing to agree an extension to his current deal, Inter have placed a £4m price-tag on the player, in hopes of cashing-in on him to stop an otherwise free transfer taking place in the summer.

The Magpies will be on full alert with this news, after L’Interista reported the Tyneside club had made contact with the Italian side to ask over de Vrij’s availability. They claim Eddie Howe is intrigued by such an opportunity.

However, Calciomercato add that Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has already held talks with the Netherlands international, so competition will be fierce.

Newcastle could sign de Vrij for just £4m

Although he is set to leave the club this season, Inter have made sure to utilise the centre-back whilst they can.

This term, the 30-year-old has played 12 Serie A games and has made a further four appearances in the Champions League. Obviously important to Simone Inzaghi’s side, he was rested for the European fixtures against Viktoria Plzen, instead playing against continental giant Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

Over the past year, de Vrij has maintained his level at the top of the game. Compared with positional peers across the continent, he still ranks in the top 20 percent for interceptions made, also ranking in the top 25 percent for aerial duels won.

Hailed by journalist Mina Rzouki as an ‘outstanding defender’, the Dutchman certainly has the pedigree needed to succeed in the Premier League.

Having been compared to Italian legend Leonardo Bonucci by Spurs manager Conte, others also think he would be suited to the physicality of English football.

Therefore, as he’s available for just £4m in January, this could be a brilliant coup for Newcastle.