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Liverpool Face New Problem In The Race To Sign Serie A Defender – Release Clause Included

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By Will Clint Godley

Italian club Lazio are making fresh attempts at getting De Vrij to sign a new deal, by offering to add a release clause. Liverpool are long-term admirers of the player. It is reported that both Liverpool and Valencia have made bids this summer for the Netherlands international.

De Vrij has only one year remaining on his Lazio contract and the club are concerned about losing him for no money. They are trying their best to convince him to sign a new deal, but it is yet to be seen if he is interested.

Lazio won’t sell the defender for less than what they believe he is worth. If his valuation isn’t met this summer, then they will risk losing him for free next summer, while trying to convince him to stay in Rome in the meantime.

Italian newspaper La Repubblica (h/t Inside Futbol) has reported that Lazio are now offering De Vrij a new contract, with a release clause included. They hope that the release clause will entice him to stay, as it would provide an opportunity for him to leave in the future, should he want to. The Serie A side, will aim to make the release clause in the region of €28m.

In terms of transfer bids this summer, Lazio want a minimum of €20m Euros from any potential suitors. Along with Liverpool and Valencia, Marseille are also interested. The French club lodged an enquiry, earlier this transfer window.

De Vrij seems interested in a move to the South of France, despite preferring to join a team that can offer Champions League football.

Improving the defensive options is a priority of Liverpool’s. The Reds thought they would sign Southampton’s Dutch defender, Virgil van Dijk, earlier this summer. However, the Saints didn’t take their approach kindly and threatened to take legal action against the club. The incident left egg on the face of those at Liverpool, with the club apologising publicly.

De Vrij was one of the talented young players to come out of Feyenoord under manager Ronald Koeman, a few years ago. In Italy, he has improved his defensive game and now seems ready for a big move.