Tuesday, 19th February, 2013
Liverpool and Everton could go head-to-head for Lyon defender Dejan Lovren in the summer.
According to Croatian daily Sportske Novosti, the Croatia international centre-back is a potential target for both Merseyside giants, as they look to address defensive needs in time for the 2013/14 campaign.
Liverpool have a clear requirement for new defensive talent, with veteran Jamie Carragher set to retire at the end of the season, while Uruguayan Sebastian Coates has not yet fully convinced.
Everton too want fresh blood in their backline, with Sylvain Distin now 35 years old and Dutchman John Heitinga unhappy at a lack of starting opportunities.
Lovren is rated as one of the most promising young centre-backs in European football, but Lyon will listen to offer for him due to their continuing need to cut costs, as financing a new stadium bites.
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The 23-year-old landed at the Stade Gerland in 2010, making the move from Dinamo Zagreb.
He has been repeatedly linked with an exit from Lyon over the last 12 months, with Barcelona consistently mooted as suitors.
At international level Lovren has won 16 caps for Croatia.
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