Liverpool have made an approach for Atletico Madrid defender Sime Vrsaljko, according to Corrierre dello Sport.
The Italian newspaper claimed in its print edition (12 December) that the Merseyside giants have made contact with Atletico director of football Andrea Berta about the defender’s availability.
Corrierre dello Sport report that the Spanish big hitters have value Vrsaljko, 25, at £22million.
It is said that there is also interest from Serie A title challengers Napoli in the Croatia international, who has been on the fringes of the Atletico team this season.
Good move for Liverpool?
Vrsaljko has pedigree and top experience in two of Europe’s leading leagues, Serie A and La Liga. It is not damning that he is not a regular for Diego Simeone’s superbly drilled Atletico side, who have conceded just seven goals in 15 league matches this season. But it is questionable whether Liverpool need Vrsaljko in the January window, unless Nathaniel Clyne has suffered another set-back or the hugely impressive Joe Gomez is earmarked for a switch to centre-back.
This Is Futbol rating 5/10
Likely to happen?
The report does not state whether Liverpool would be willing to pay £22million for the former Genoa and Sassuolo right-back, but the fact they’ve approached the Spanish side directly would suggest there is some strong interest. Nevertheless, it is hard to see them paying so much for a full-back when they have some excellent options in that position and badly need to strengthen at centre-back.
This Is Futbol rating 3/10