Liverpool transfer news: Reds handed boost for Dutch defender, Madrid & Barcelona enter race for French midfielder and more - 16th September 2017

Stefan de Vrij contract talks stall

The Dutchman's contract ends in the summer of 2018 and Lazio have been attempting to renew the deal. Liverpool are following the situation closely as per Italian outlet Calciomercato as they look to sign a defender to resolve their issues at the back.

The outlet reports that the 25-year old is unhappy with the release clause the Italian side want to insert in the new deal. Lazio reportedly want to include a £26.5 million release clause while de Vrij does not want it to be higher than £22 million.

Thus, Liverpool have a great chance to sign the defender in January or in the summer of 2018 as a free agent.

---

Liverpool now in a three-way battle for Maxime Lopez

Maxime Lopez is compared with Zinedine Zidane

Real Madrid and Barcelona are both interested in signing the 19-year old from Marseille as per reports in Spain. Lopez has been compared to Zinedine Zidane and hails from the same city as the Madrid boss. It is no surprise then that Zidane is keeping tabs on Lopez and is reportedly willing to bring the exciting playmaker to the Bernabeu.

The player revealed in March that Marseille has rejected an offer from Liverpool, highlighting the seriousness of the Reds' interest. Lopez is looked at by both Liverpool and Barcelona as his playing style is similar to Philippe Coutinho.

Thus, depending on Coutinho's future, either of the clubs is expected to compete with Madrid for the French starlet.

---

Federico Chiesa on the Reds' radar

Federico Chiesa is one of Italy's brightest young talents

As per Calciomercato, Liverpool have entered the race to sign highly-rated Fiorentina attacker Federico Chiesa. The 19-year old is the son of former Italy forward, Enrico Chiesa, and is considered to be one of the brightest Italian talents.

The teenager's key attributes are persistent running and a direct style of play, which suit Jurgen Klopp's philosophy perfectly. Hence, Chiesa is wanted by several top clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United and Inter Milan.

However, any club wanting to sign him need to shell out around €40 million to sign the talented attacker and it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will go for him in January or next summer.