Inter centre-back Stefan de Vrij’s future is uncertain but the Nerazzurri might have his replacement already in the squad, as Alessandro Bastoni seems set to start his second consecutive match in the heart of the defensive trident.
De Vrij’s contract with the Beneamata expires in June 2023 and the Dutch defender has been linked with a move abroad in recent months.
Former Inter coach Antonio Conte reportedly wants to bring the former Lazio man to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and Inter might have to sell next summer to avoid losing the player on a free transfer in one and a half years.
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Calciomercato.com reports the Nerazzurri are already looking for a new defender, with Mathias Ginter of Borussia Mönchengladbach and Lazio centre-back Luiz Felipe mentioned as possible targets.
But the mentioned defenders might not arrive to replace De Vrij in the heart of the defence, as Bastoni has already started to adapt to the new role in the heart of the defence.
The Italy international played in the middle of a back-three in the 2-0 win over Venezia last time and is expected to return to the role against Spezia tonight.
De Vrij is currently out injured and Bastoni has stepped up in the 29-year-old’s absence and it has been a natural evolution for the youngster.
Bastoni turned 22 in April and is currently capped nine times by the Nazionale. He has played 18 times across all competitions this term, including 13 in Serie A.