Liverpool Transfer News: Stefan de Vrij Blow Dealt in Latest Rumours

Liverpool are reportedly set to miss out on Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij, as he does not want to leave Serie A for the Premier League.

According to Neil Moxley of the Mirror, Liverpool have been tracking the Dutchman for more than a year, but he wants to remain in Italy amid interest in him from Inter Milan, who are said to have tabled a £25 million bid for him.

Per Bleacher Report's Karl Matchett, the 25-year-old is entering the final six months of his deal in the Italian capital:

Liverpool could well have been hoping he could serve as a relatively inexpensive solution to their defensive issues, as he would be an upgrade on what they currently have.

The list of personnel available to Jurgen Klopp at centre-back does not make for particularly inspired reading, with Dejan Lovren particularly standing out as a weak link at Anfield.

As former Premier League footballer Danny Gabbidon noted during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Everton, there's a sense of deja vu whenever Lovren makes an error at the back:

De Vrij would be a far better option for Klopp. The ball-playing centre-back is a much more composed and reliable presence on the ball than the likes of Lovren, but he's also a reliable defender who reads danger well and is comfortable winning the ball on the ground or in the air.

GianlucaDiMarzio.com's David Amoyal picked him out as one of Lazio's best players:

He's an important figure for the Serie A side and has been for some time, per WhoScored.com:

Given his ability and contract situation, Liverpool would be remiss if they don't even attempt to lure him away from Lazio in January.

However, as he is seemingly reluctant to leave Italy, the Reds will also need to ensure they have other options lined up—they cannot afford to go another transfer window without reinforcing the centre-back position.