Newcastle United will reportedly look to seal a bargain deal for 33-year-old Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij in the winter transfer window.

According to a report by Football Insider, Stefan de Vrij is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Magpies are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the winter transfer window. So, the 33-year-old Inter Milan defender has emerged as a target for the Tyneside outfit.

The 2024/25 EFL Cup winners have registered their interest in the Dutchman, who could leave the Serie A title contenders in the winter transfer window after struggling for game time in the first half of the 2025/26 season. Meanwhile, de Vrij nearly joined Al-Hilal earlier this week, and Newcastle United will also face stiff competition from Nottingham Forest for his signature.

How has Stefan de Vrij fared in Serie A?

Stefan de Vrij has been one of the best defenders in Serie A over the past decade. A native of Ouderkerk aan den IJssel, the 33-year-old spent his formative years in the Netherlands and graduated from from Feyenoord’s fabled youth division. However, the veteran defender has seen his stock soar since joining Lazio in July 2014.

The Dutch defender has been with Inter Milan since July 2018, and he has been integral to the Serie A club’s success since then, winning two league titles and a few other trophies. The player has made nearly 300 appearances for the Nerazzurri thus far while chipping in with 13 goals and eight assists. However, de Vrij’s long-term future is uncertain, and a January exit may be on the cards.

Premier League adventure on the horizon?

Widespread reports have linked Stefan de Vrij with several high-profile clubs, and Newcastle United will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the winter transfer window. The Tyneside club’s interest in the veteran Dutchman is understandable, as Jamaal Lascelles faces an uncertain future at St. James’ Park.

Additionally, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn are in the treatment room with injuries that will keep them on the sidelines for the foreseeable future. So, with Newcastle United competing in four competitions, they must sign a centre-back this month. Several candidates, including Giorgio Scalvini, are thus on Newcastle United’s wishlist, with de Vrij also a viable target.

The 33-year-old Dutch defender’s long-term future at Inter Milan is uncertain after he struggled for regular game time in the first half of the 2025/26 season. Meanwhile, de Vrij nearly joined Al-Hilal earlier this week, and Newcastle United will also face stiff competition from Nottingham Forest for his signature. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for him.