Liverpool, Everton to battle it out for Diego Llorente?

Liverpool will reportedly go head-to-head with Merseyside rivals Everton in the race to sign Diego Llorente from Real Sociedad this summer.

The Spaniard has been in impressive form for Sociedad during the course of the current campaign and his performances have caught the attention of several European sides.

However, Basque outlet Noticias de Gipuzkoa claims that Liverpool and Everton are among the front-runners to sign the defender, who started his initial career with Real Madrid. 

The two-time Spain international currently has a £43m release clause written in his contract and the report indicates that the Reds are likely to make the initial approach with a £25m bid to test the club's resolve.

Liverpool are said to be eyeing another central defender amid the fitness concerns for Joe Gomez over the past few seasons. Everton, meanwhile, are aiming to replace Phil Jagielka, whose contract expires in four months' time.

Marco Silva's side also have a concern regarding Kurt Zouma, who is expected to return to Chelsea at the conclusion of his loan spell. The Frenchman may not be sold in the summer with the Blues presently under a transfer ban.