Liverpool and Everton to fight it out for Ajax ace

Everton and Liverpool are competing to sign Ajax centre-back Jan Vertonghen.

Goodison boss David Moyes is eager to land the Belgium international, who has inspired his club to the Dutch FA Cup and second place in the league.

And Toffees officials have tabled an opening £9m bid for the 23-year-old, which Ajax turned down - but they are willing to accept £11m for him.

Vertonghen is under contract until 2013. He has been recommended by his national team-mate Marouane Fellaini, Everton's record signing.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is also a big fan of Vertonghen, who helped Ajax concede just 20 goals in 34 games.

But his city rival Moyes leads the chase for the powerful defender, who has admirably replaced Thomas Vermaelen since his fellow Belgian quit Ajax for Arsenal in a £10m deal last summer.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.