Liverpool face competition from Napoli for defender Vrsaljko
Premier League side Liverpool are set to face competition from Italian Serie A side Napoli for the signature of Atletico Madrid defender Sime Vrsaljko in the January transfer window, according to a report on Inside Futbol.
Croatian right-back Vrsaljko is looking for a January switch away from Atletico in a bid for regular first-team football, to guarantee a place in the 2018 World Cup squad with his country.
The 25-year-old wants regular football and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes that he can lure him to Anfield by promising him just that, but Napoli are willing to offer the same.
Simeone recently hinted that Vrsaljko will be sold on for a profit in January if a bid is forthcoming, with his valuation likely to be around the £22m mark.
Napoli are now said to be in pole position to sign Vrsaljko, who personally would prefer a move back to Italy. The defender previously played for Sassuolo.
Liverpool are eager to strengthen their defence in January and the versatility of Vrsaljko is what has impressed Klopp.
His strongest position is on the right-hand side but he can also operate on the left, which has been a problematic area for Liverpool so far this season.
The Reds currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League table as they look to fight for a top-four finish.