Liverpool have been boosted in their pursuit of Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij, according to reports in Spain.
Jurgen Klopp is desperate to bring defensive reinforcements to Merseyside, with the Reds already conceding 20 goals in the Premier League – eight goals more than sixth-placed Burnley.
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Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk was Liverpool’s priority target in the summer, but Manchester City are in pole position to land the Netherlands international.
Atletico Madrid defender Sime Vrsaljko is now on Klopp’s radar and the Reds have also been monitoring De Vrij’s contract situation at Lazio.
Catalan outlet Sport claim Barcelona have pulled out of the race to sign De Vrij as the Dutchman’s injury problems have put them off a deal.
This would suggest Liverpool have a clear run at landing De Vrij whose contract expires next summer.
Some reports claim De Vrij is ready to sign a new Lazio deal with a release clause of £22million.
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It’s understood Liverpool had an offer of around £30m rejected for the defender ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.
Liverpool 2017/18 Fixtures
West Brom (H) – Wed 13 Dec
AFC Bournemouth (A) – Sat Dec 17
Arsenal (A) – Fri Dec 22
Swansea City (H) – Tues Dec 26
Leicester City (H) – Sat Dec 30
Burnley (A) – Mon Jan 1
Man City – Sun Jan 14
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