Reports: Liverpool target Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld to bolster ranks

Toby Alderweireld in action for the Belgian national team during the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Liverpool have begun negotiations with Atletico Madrid over the transfer of Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld, reports the Metro.

According to reports on Sky Italia, the Reds are prepared to offer the La Liga champions a fee of £7 million for the services of Alderweireld, who is currently in Brazil at the World Cup with Belgium.

The 25-year-old had fallen out of favour in the Spanish capital but Brendan Rodgers is keen to bring him to Anfield to bolster his defensive ranks.

Alderweireld is a versatile operator and can be deployed either in the centre of defence or in the full-back berth and while Liverpool attempted to sign him last summer from Ajax, he instead opted for Spain.

Since joining for £6 million on a four year contract, however, he’s struggled to break into Diego Simeone’s side as they lifted the league title and were runners-up in the Champions League.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Premier League rivals Spurs were interested in signing Alderweireld.