Liverpool to do battle with Everton for Belgian midfielder

Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel seemed poised to make a switch to Everton, but Liverpool have reportedly lined up an eleventh hour move.

Liverpool are attempting to gain ground on Napoli and rivals Everton in the race to sign Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel.

The Anfield outfit are eager to bolster the centre of the pitch by pursuing the sought-after Belgian now that one of their former transfer targets, Gregorz Krychowiak, has signed for Paris Saint-Germain.

That said, the Toffees, who placed a €36 million bid on the 27-year-old, believe they’re still in pole position to acquire the footballer, according to The Sun.

Maurizio Sarri had been keen to add the Belgian to his Napoli midfield, whilst

Roma , Inter , and Juventus had all expressed an interest. However, the Serie A quartet appear to be facing increasing competition from the Premier League for the former Benfica midfielder.

It had been suggested that Witsel was keen to join Everton to help the side reach the Champions League next season and was ready to sign a contract that will complete his switch to Goodison Park.

witsel

However, talks between the player and the Blues have allegedly stalled, as the club’s coach, Ronald Koeman, is said to have developed an interest in Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin.

With these supposed developments, Liverpool could thwart the Toffees’ negotiations with the 27-year-old by making a better offer.