Liverpool face Juventus competition for Serie A ace

Juventus have entered the pursuit to sign Liverpool target and Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij.

The 25-year-old has so far turned down discussions over a new Lazio deal, and this could potentially see him leave on a free transfer when his contract in June 2018.

According to Calciomercato, the Old Lady have joined Liverpool in the race to sign the Netherlands international, who is regarded as one of the top performing centre-backs in the Serie A.

However, Max Allegri's side are only said to be eyeing a Bosman for the defender, and this could put Liverpool at an advantage, should they opt to negotiate a cut-price deal in January.

Jurgen Klopp's side struggled to sign a top-class centre-back during the summer transfer window, and this has cost them dearly this campaign with just three clean sheets in the top-flight.

Southampton's Virgil van Dijk is another, who was on the Reds' radar in the summer, and it will be interesting to see how Klopp deals with his targets in the New Year.