Everton and Liverpool are reportedly keen on signing the Besiktas ace.
According to Turkish media outlet Aspor, Liverpool have jumped ahead of Everton in the race to sign Besiktas defender Domagoj Vida by making a £12 million offer for the Croatian, but the Blues cannot allow their bitter rivals to beat them to his signature.
The 29-year-old has really impressed for his country in Russia this summer, what with his unique brand of no-nonsense defending, and he would be a real asset to Everton’s back-line.
Turkish outlet Sabah claimed on Thursday that the Toffees had offered £11.5 million for the Besiktas centre-back, but following today’s report from Aspor, it seems as though they will have to raise their offer if they are to bring him to Goodison Park.
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Everton’s defence will be a cause for real concern for Marco Silva, and the addition of someone with Vida’s quality and experience will be an absolute must ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
The Toffees could steal a march on Liverpool in the race for the Croatian’s signature in one of two ways.
Firstly, they could raise their offer for the defender, and try to out-muscle their rivals financially – something that wouldn’t be a total shock, given the backing they receive from Farhad Moshiri.
Secondly, they could offer Vida a key role in the first-team, and possibly even the captaincy.
He would be far from guaranteed regular action at Liverpool, and the chance of receiving just that at Everton could be enough to tip the scales in the Blues’ favour.
And if Marco Silva does manage to bring Vida to Goodison, it could turn out to be a signing of real significance for the Toffees.
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