Roma defender Christ Smalling would be Inter’s first choice to replace Stefan de Vrij at the heart of their defense in the event that the Dutchman leaves at the end of his current contract.
This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, who report that the 33-year-old is the player who the Nerazzurri have lined up in case de Vrij does not extend his deal past the end of the current season.
Inter are considering how they plan to move forward in defense, with the question of de Vrij’s future one of the central ones as far as their plans.
The former Lazio and Feyenoord’s contract with the Nerazzurri runs out at the end of June 2023.
It is far from clear whether or not Inter will be able to agree an extension with the Dutchman.
Should de Vrij leave on a free transfer, the Nerazzurri will look to secure a defender with a similar profile to replace him at the centre of their back three.
Smalling’s potential availability on a free transfer next summer has marked the English former Manchester United defender as an ideal target in this regard.
