Everton reportedly target Stefan de Vrij, potentially threatening Liverpool’s hopes

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Liverpool have been linked with Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij for as long as recent memory will allow – but now Everton have joined the race.

Liverpool’s defence did a fine job of reminding Jurgen Klopp of the need to spend in January. A second half collapse against Sevilla, throwing away a 3-0 lead to draw thanks to a last-gasp Guido Pizarro strike, came just a month after that 4-1 hammering at Tottenham, not to mention that five-goal blitz versus Man City.

But with a deal for Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk proving especially problematic, Liverpool had reportedly lined up another Dutch defender as a possible alternative.

Goal reported last month that The Reds wanted to bring Stefan de Vrij to Anfield from Lazio. The former Feyenoord centre-back, who burst onto the scene for Holland at the 2014 World Cup, has evolved into one of the most accomplished defenders in world football whose quality in possession and intelligent position seem to make him a solution to Liverpool’s Achilles heel.

But, after being forced to drop their interest in Van Dijk after Southampton accused Liverpool of tapping him up, could Klopp’s slapdash side be left with egg on their face again?

Possibly, with Corriere Dello Sport (22^nd November, page 25) reporting that Merseyside rivals Everton have joined the race for De Vrij.

Recent reports appeared to suggest that the 25-year-old was due to sign a new contract with Lazio with his current deal set to expire in the summer. But Corriere Dello Sport reports that, as of yet, nothing has been signed – and if that remains the same in a month, Everton plan to talk to De Vrij in January.

Everton have the second worst defensive record in the Premier League at present and De Vrij would be an excellent option to freshen up their backline, possibly replacing the ageing Phil Jagielka or Ashley Williams.

But Liverpool losing out on one of Europe’s top defenders to their Merseyside rivals doesn’t bare thinking about for those of a red persuasion. Though with Jurgen Klopp’s side in the Champions League and Everton near the bottom of the table and out of Europe altogether, Anfield may still be a more enticing destination.