Liverpool have been handed a boost in their pursuit of defender Stefan De Vrij after Lazio president Claudio Lotito insisted he is free to leave.
The Dutch centre-back's contract ends in the summer and he is not short of admirers, with The Express crediting Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Inter Milan with an interest in acquiring his signature.
The Reds chased his compatriot Virgil van Dijk all summer but look to have turned their attention elsewhere as Southampton stand firm and bitter following their advances.
A deal for De Vrij appears to be far more likely following Lotito's comments to Italian radio broadcaster Radio Incontro Olympia.