Liverpool, Newcastle United watch Stefan de Vrij

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers reportedly flew to Holland yesterday to watch Dutch international defender Stefan de Vrij in action.

The Feyenoord captain has been attracting interest across Europe with a string of composed performances in central defence this season.

Newcastle United also had scouts in Rotterdam to track De Vrij as he led Feyenoord to a 2-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven, according to the Daily Mail.

Reds boss Rodgers is planning for life without Jamie Carragher and is thought to be considering De Vrij as a viable replacement for the veteran defender.

De Vrij has 18 months left on his contract at Feyenord and could join former central defensive partner Ron Vlaar in the Premier League next season.