Liverpool have seen a bid for Stefan de Vrij knocked back by Lazio.
Attention turned to the defender after the Reds were forced to end their interest in Virgil van Dijk amid accusations of ‘tapping up’ by Southampton.
A statement on Wednesday curtailed Jurgen Klopp’s pursuit of Van Dijk under the threat of investigation from the Premier League over unsolicited approach.
But reports in Italy claim that Liverpool’s approach for the Saints defender’s compatriot have also suffered an early setback.
According to Sky Italia, Anfield officials have tabled an offer in the region of £17 million in attempts to land De Vrij but Lazio swiftly rebuffed the approach.
The Serie A giants are understood to be holding out for a deal closer to £30m for the Holland international, who contributed to seven clean sheets last season.
De Vrij has only 12 months remaining on his current deal in Lazio and is not expected to extend his stay in the Italian capital beyond this summer.
Inter Milan and Chelsea have both been credited with interest in the defender.