ANTONIO CONTE would reportedly insist on defensive reinforcements if he were to take over at Manchester United.
The Italian leads a shortlist of contenders rumoured to be in the mix if the United hierarchy decides to axe under-fire boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
But the famously demanding ex-Inter manager is reported to be determined to bring a trusted lieutenant with him to Old Trafford.
That man is claimed to be defender Stefan de Vrij, who was a mainstay at the heart of the Inter defence that won the Serie A title under Conte last season.
InterLive reports the Dutch centre-back would cost around £25million but current boss Simone Inzaghi would almost certainly not sell in January.
A deal could be done next summer should Conte be in post at United, although reports say de Vrij’s agent could complicate things.
He is represented by Mino Raiola, who is soon set for a showdown with the Red Devils over the future of Paul Pogba.
The Frenchman’s contract is up at the end of the season and talks over a new deal have been shelved following the 5-0 humiliation by Liverpool on Sunday.
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That result has also left Solskjaer’s future hanging in the balance.
Crisis talks at United have decided the Norwegian will be in the dugout for Saturday’s trip to Tottenham.
And the club’s board is understood to be split over whether Conte is the right man to replace him should Ole have to go.
There are doubts the 52-year-old would represent the famous ‘United way’ were he to take over.
Conte has a reputation for a disciplined style rather than attacking football – with the 6ft 2in de Vrij typical of tough defenders relied upon by the Italian tactician.
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