Liverpool target told he can leave in January

Lazio defender and Liverpool transfer target Stefan de Vrij has been told he can leave the Italian club in the new year.

The Express reports that president Claudio Lotito will not stand in the player’s way should an offer come in for the Dutchman.

De Vrij has impressed this season and throughout the last campaign, sparking interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and Everton.

 Lotito told Italian outlet Radio Incontro Olympia that Lazio give their player’s the final choice on transfers.

We have always said that people come and go but Lazio remains. I hope this does not apply to presidents! It depends on the ethics and behaviour of the player. As a club we have always behaved very well towards the players and we’ll see what the players choose.

The 25-year-old is out of contract in the summer and there is reportedly interest from the continent too, with Barcelona, Inter Milan and Juventus all keeping tabs on his situation.

De Vrij has been at the heart of a strong Lazio side that will be pushing for a Champions League spot this season.

They currently sit fifth in the Serie A table, five points behind Roma.

Liverpool will be desperate to get a deal over the line with interest mounting in the defender, who would represent quite the bargain for any side.