Liverpool make bid for Stefan De Vrij… but face competition from European giants

With the January transfer window fast approaching, Liverpool are expected to enter the market to sign a new central defender.

Dejan Lovren has come in for heavy criticism this season and was dropped to the bench in yesterday’s 5-0 win over Swansea.

Liverpool made an approach for Van Dijk in the summer but the club were forced to apologise with Southampton complaining of foul-play.

And the south coast club refused to budge on their £70million valuation of the Holland international, pricing Liverpool out of a move in the summer.

Recent reports have suggested Manchester City are closing in on a deal for the 26-year-old.

But Italian newspaper Tuttosport claim Liverpool have already moved ahead with plans for an alternative to Van Dijk.

It is said Lazio are ‘pessimistic’ about De Vrij agreeing to a contract renewal, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

That would mean Liverpool would be able to open negotiations over a pre-contract deal next month.

Liverpool and Atletico Madrid have already reportedly made offers for the 25-year-old while Juventus are supposedly showing some interest as well.

However it is suggested that Barcelona could enter the fray to sign the defender.