Everton join Southampton in race for Lazio defender Wesley Hoedt in £12m deal

SOUTHAMPTON will face stiff competition from the Toffees in their bid to sign Lazio centre-back Wesley Hoedt.

Ronald Koeman is on the lookout for defensive cover after Ramiro Funes Mori’s horrific knee injury, which could see him face up to nine months on the sidelines.

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Getty Images - Getty

That cover may come in the form of Dutch defender Hoedt, who has been making waves in the Serie A.

Koeman and Everton Director Steve Walsh are considering lining up a move for the centre-back, who could fetch a fee of £12 million.

The 23-year-old recently made his full international debut for Holland, and has been impressive for Lazio in the last couple of seasons.

He has averaged almost five tackles per game during his spell in Italy, and even chipped in with three goals last term.

Dutch manager Koeman would like his new defensive signing to fill a 'utility' role, with Funes Mori often slotting in on the left-side of defence, as well as centre-back.

Hoedt ticks that particular box, as he has proved capable of playing in left-back and even defensive-midfield for Lazio.

PA:Press Association

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Southampton are also looking at the former Celtic defender as a replacement for wantaway centre-back Virgil van Dijk.

Reports claim the Saints made a £12m bid for Hoedt, as van Dijk seems to be on his way out.

Liverpool is the prime destination for the 26-year-old defender, as he's apparently desperate to push through the move to Anfield.

PA:Press Association

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Everton have had a busy transfer window, selling star striker Romelu Lukaku in an astonishing £75m deal.

They've also brought in plenty of talent; Wayne Rooney on a free, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and record-equalling signing, Michael Keane.

The Toffees are still on the lookout for a midfielder, as they pursue Borussia Dortmund starlet Emre Mor, and Swansea's Gylfi Sigurdsson.

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