Barcelona 'failed with swoop for Stefan de Vrij'

Barcelona reportedly attempted to sign Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij during the summer transfer window.

The Netherlands international spent four years with Lazio before joining Inter ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

De Vrij impressed for the Milan giants last season, making 36 appearances in all competitions, including 28 in Serie A as the club secured a fourth-placed finish.

According to Calciomercato, Barca attempted to secure the 27-year-old's signature before the European transfer window closed, but the Spanish champions could not convince Inter to sell.

Head coach Ernesto Valverde has an selection issue in central defence heading into Sunday's clash with Sevilla as Samuel Umtiti is injured and Clement Lenglet suspended following his red card against Getafe last weekend.

De Vrij was a part of the Inter team to suffer a 2-1 defeat to the Spanish champions in the Champions League on Wednesday night.