Barcelona Transfer News: Stefan de Vrij Reportedly Considering Offer

Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij is reportedly considering a proposal from Barcelona and is now hesitating over a summer move to Inter Milan.

De Vrij is out of contract at the end of the season and had been in talks with the San Siro side. However, the defender is considering his options after Barcelona made a move, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia).

Lazio sporting director Igli Tare told Mediaset in February the club would withdraw its offer of a new contract and that De Vrij will leave the club (h/t ESPN FC's Ben Gladwell).

The Netherlands international has been a key figure for Lazio since joining from Feyenoord in 2014, and he explained his reasons for leaving in an Instagram post:

Inter Milan have agreed a deal for De Vrij with only minor details required to sort out, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia).

De Vrij would expect to go straight into the starting lineup at Inter, although they may not be able to offer UEFA Champions League football. The Nerazzurri are fourth in Serie A with 10 games left to play.

Barcelona, meanwhile, could end the season with a treble. They are 11 points clear at the top of La Liga and are into the Copa del Rey final as well as the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

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The attraction of playing for a club like Barcelona is obvious, yet there would be serious competition for places. Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique are the club's first-choice central-defensive partnership, with Thomas Vermaelen and Yerry Mina backup options.

Barcelona possess the best defensive record in La Liga this season, with just 13 goals conceded in 29 games. While De Vrij is a quality option and available as a free agent, he may struggle to force his way into the first team at the Camp Nou.

A move to Inter looks the more likely option, although De Vrij may find it difficult to say no to serious interest from a club as prestigious as Barcelona.