Manchester United battle Chelsea for Inter Milan defender
One problem that Manchester United have not been able to solve for years is how to solidify their defence. It had looked like the club were on the right track though. After a promising 2020/21 campaign, when they finished second in the Premier League, with Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw playing some of the best football of their respective careers, the Red Devils added Raphael Varane to their ranks.
Manchester United signed Varane from Real Madrid last summer, after he had enjoyed a legendary career with Los Blancos and even won the World Cup with the France national team in 2018.
His performances for Manchester United have left a lot to be desired though and as a result, the club might need to add another centre-back to their ranks this summer. Jurrien Timber of Ajax has been heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford since the arrival of Erik ten Hag as manager, but it looks like the club have their sights on a veteran defender from Inter Milan as well.
As tweeted out Nicolo Schira, both Manchester United and Chelsea have asked for info on Stefan de Vrij, who could leave Inter Milan this summer:
Not only #Chelsea: #ManchesterUnited have also asked info for Stefan #DeVrij, who could leave #Inter in the summer #transfers window. His contract expires in 2023 and there is no agreement for the renewal. The dutch centre-back has turned down #Newcastle’s bid. #MUFC https://t.co/HjrIaffzwa
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) June 11, 2022
Both Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in Inter Milan star
The Dutch international centre-back has been a key part of Inter Milan’s recent successes. His current deal with the Italian giants runs out in the summer of 2023 though and there is no agreement on any renewal yet.
At 30 years of age, De Vrij has plenty of experience under his belt and as a result, could be a solid addition for both Manchester United and Chelsea, with both clubs needing to bring in defenders this summer.
While Manchester United need to strengthen at the back, the situation is worse for Chelsea, who have seen both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen walk out as free agents this summer. The future of Cesar Azpilicueta is up in the air as well, with Barcelona believed to be interested in the Spaniard.