Liverpool’s need to sign a defender is probably one of the most open secrets in English football. That they tried to sign Virgil van Dijk and failed in the pursuit, and this is a well-known story.

What is almost unknown for most of us is the fact that we have cast our net wide and long. There are other targets that are being pursued and on top of that list is Lazio’s Stefan de Vrij. However, according to the Mirror, a deal for the Netherlands international is unlikely in the winter transfer window. The report says that the player is not too keen on a move to the Premier League and prefers to stay back in the Serie A.

The £24.3m rated De Vrij has risen to prominence in the last couple of years. He moved to the Italian capital in 2014 but struggled with injuries. However, that has not stopped him from establishing himself as a key figure for the club and country. Ask anyone who follows Lazio, as well as the Netherlands national team, they will say that De Vrij is key for both.

Interestingly, his current contract with Lazio is set to expire at the end of the season, which makes him an interesting proposition for the interested clubs. But, Liverpool are set to be disappointed, as he prefers to stay back in Italy.

That means De Vrij could move to Inter Milan, who are reportedly preparing a €25million bid. The player too is willing to look at that option which means Jurgen Klopp could end up empty-handed.

So, where else should we look? A deal for Virgil van Dijk is mooted but it will be equally difficult to sign him from Southampton. We have one of the poorest defensive records in the Premier League and Klopp understands that improving it is the only way to move up the ladder.

What do you think? Should we go all out for Virgil van Dijk once again?