Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton are in a tug-of-war for Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen.

The Belgium international has become a target for both clubs with Everton making the first play, opening with a £9million bid which was turned down by the Dutch club.

Vertonghen is under contract with Ajax until 2013 so they are free to ask for more than what the Toffees offered, especially after he replaced Thomas Vermaelen, who joined Arsenal last summer, with such aplomb.

It is believed his Belgium teammate Marouane Fellaini has recommended him to Everton boss David Moyes as whispers emerge that Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is very interested.