Liverpool Echo reports that Everton are interested in the signature of Lazio centre-back Stefan de Vrij as the January transfer window nears.
The Dutch international has long been admired by the Toffees, but they face fierce rivalry for his services, with Atletico Madrid and Serie A trio Juventus, AC and Inter Milan also keen.
De Vrij is entering into the last 6 months of his current contract at Lazio, and extension talks have hit a snag.
Everton could pounce if both parties fail to agree on a deal on time, and landing the former Feyenoord man could be a huge coup.
De Vrij has been a key player at the heart of Lazio defence since 3 summers ago, and he has also weighed in couple of goals at the other end.
While his recurring injuries have prevented many top sides from pulling out all the stops in signing him, his recent fitness levels suggest the 25-year-old might have successfully banished his demons.
Everton can do with additional quality at the back having had to rely on the largely inexperienced Mason Holgate and error-prone Ashley Williams of recent.
De Vrij is starting to display the form that earned him a spot in the World Cup All-Star Team back in 2014, and he could prove to be a solid signing for Everton if a move goes through.
