Liverpool and Napoli to battle for £25m Atletico Madrid star

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London, Dec 17: Atletico Madrid have been attracting a lot of interest for their versatile defender Sime Vrsaljko who has been touted as a target of both Napoli and Liverpool.

Vrsaljko mainly a right-back but can also operate from the left side. He joined the Los Colchoneros from Italian side Sassuolo in 2016 for €3.5 million plus bonuses of €2 million, however, is yet to establish himself a regular starter under Simeone.

The 25-year-old's current campaign has been often interrupted by injury and he only has made four appearances this season and now is being viewed only as a secondary option in the fullback position.

Reportedly with World Cup on the horizon, the Croatian international is ready to step up his career with more game time to cement a permanent place in the Croatian team and is now eyeing a move in the January transfer window.

According to reports, Liverpool have started negotiations with the player to fill up their debated fullback position whereas Serie A high flyers Napoli are also looking for a full-back option after the long-term injury to their defender Ghoulam.

The defender is reportedly being valued at £25million by the club and has a contract until 2021.

Simeone also recently spoke about Vrsaljko's future amidst speculation over his long-term plans where he clearly hinted that the Argentine manager is open to selling the player but only at the right price.

"Sime is a big player and all big players have a value," he told Marca.

"We are happy when other clubs look at our players, this is normal and it is positive for us.

"The truth is Sime has been injured and when he has played for us he has done very well, but it is a fact that Juanfran has done superbly also."

Now it will be interesting to see in the tug of war which team finally makes the upper hand in the battle but one thing is for sure that in an age where money is flowing in the air a £25million buy of a versatile player like Vrsaljko can be a great deal of business for any team.