Tottenham Hotspur could look to sign another defender in the next transfer window...

What's the word?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes.net, Spurs want to sign Inter Milan colossus Stefan de Vrij in 2022 and view him as a leader that could partner recent summer signing Cristian Romero at the back.

Back in June, the north London outfit were first linked with a move for the 29-year-old Dutch international, per Football Insider, who then claimed that he was valued in the region of £45m following a title-winning campaign at the San Siro.

It remains to be seen exactly how much de Vrij would command, especially as he'll be in the final year of his contract this time next year. Transfermarkt also value him at £45m.

Imagine him and Romero

Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici could well create a formidable defensive partnership for the next few years with a move for the 49-time international.

At 29, he would offer some solid experience in the backline and could be the perfect influence on Romero, who at just 23, has several years to go until he reaches his peak.

Throughout the summer transfer window, it was thought that Spurs were looking for two centre-backs and that's something that they haven't yet been able to accomplish, so a move for de Vrij would make a lot of sense when business reopens at the turn of the year.

The 6 foot 2 powerhouse played a crucial role in Inter's title win as Antonio Conte's side recorded the best defensive record of anyone in the Serie A in 2020/21.

In 32 league appearances, he averaged an impressive 93.8% passing accuracy, which displayed his incredible ball-playing ability and shows exactly why he'd be a fit in Spurs' new system under Nuno, who likes to play out from the back.

Furthermore, the Dutchman averaged two aerial duels won and 1.3 interceptions per outing, too, and that goes to show that he's not afraid to use his physicality, whilst he also has intelligence in being able to read the game, as per WhoScored.

De Vrij's former Lazio teammate Mauricio waxed lyrical about his centre-back partner back in 2018. He told ESPN (via Football Italia): "Stefan is a great defender and deserves to be at a big club. He’s very tall, he’s strong and fast, he runs a lot – he’s a monster!" before later adding: "He’s a calm defender who never gets agitated."

It's that sort of presence that Romero could need in north London over the next few seasons.

A player like Eric Dier may have started the 2021/22 campaign in red-hot form, recording three successive clean sheets on Spurs' way to the top spot and being nominated for the 'Player of the Month' award but last season's mistakes are still fresh in the memory and the club should not pass up on the opportunity to sign an instant upgrade.

So forget what Nuno already has at his disposal, Paratici and co must launch a bid for de Vrij in the next window. On the above evidence, he and Romero would be a scary duo that would cause many a Premier League attack problems.

AND in other news, Spurs receive huge transfer boost over £34m-rated "complete player", Nuno will be buzzing...