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.

What is the latest news involving De Vrij?

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.

What has Clancy said about Newcastle?

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 project without being the star name.”

Would De Vrij be a good signing?

De Vrij has racked up nearly 450 senior appearances throughout his time as a professional football, winning one Scudetto and one Italian Cup with Inter.

And he has remained a key player in Milan under the tutelage of Conte’s successor Simone Inzaghi despite his contract situation, with his underlying numbers highlighting his impressive contribution to their success.

As per WhoScored, De Vrij has won 2.3 aerial duels and made 1.1 interceptions while achieving a pass completion ratio of 91.7 per cent per league game throughout 2021/22.

The towering defender is seemingly still at the top of his game, therefore, and persuading him to join a new project like Newcastle’s could be difficult yet extremely beneficial.