Liverpool will continue their push to sign key midfield target Romeo Lavia as Jurgen Klopp knows about Chelsea’s interest.
Fabrizio Romano via Caught Offside claimed Liverpool will continue to push in their efforts to sign Romeo Lavia. The midfielder has lately attracted the interest of Chelsea as they could switch away from Moises Caicedo, but Liverpool remains confident.
Liverpool are not losing sight of their transfer priorities in the coming period. Jurgen Klopp recently spoke about finding midfield solutions after losing a host of midfielders during the close season. Fabinho and Jordan Henderson were key figures with massive experience; without them, the central areas are significantly weaker.
Klopp said, “It’s definitely important to strengthen in midfield. We have to do something, that is clear”. “We are working on solutions. First people want changes, now everyone is worrying about the changes. We are really optimistic about it. Excited as well”.
With that first line, he possibly hinted at keeping the focus on the Romeo Lavia chase amid speculation of interest from elsewhere. The Belgian emerged as a top target for Klopp, and he views him as a direct replacement for Fabinho at his midfield base.
Jurgen Klopp: “It's definitely important to strengthen in mifield. We have to do something, that is clear”. 🔴 #LFC
“We are working on solutions. First people want changes, now everyone is worrying about the changes. We are really optimistic about it. Excited as well”. pic.twitter.com/gtb8PmjwPl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 29, 2023
Liverpool have been accelerating their efforts to sign the Belgian, having seen their first bid rejected. Southampton have held their ground and kept up with their £50 million demand, with the Reds somewhat reluctant to meet the asking price.
They were growing in confidence following a supposed second bid which was reportedly around the £45 million mark, including bonuses. That’s close to Southampton’s asking price and realistic enough for the Saints to consider.
Meanwhile, addressing the supposed plan by Chelsea to hijack the Lavia move, Fabrizio Romano addressed the situation claiming Liverpool are focused on the Belgian. He said, “Jurgen Klopp has spoken about working on solutions for midfield, but my understanding remains that the priority is still absolutely Romeo Lavia.”
“After that, we will see what else will happen in that position, but Liverpool remains focused on Lavia for now, and it’s not a straightforward deal – Southampton insists on a £50m package for Lavia, so negotiation remains ongoing… but will continue next week.
“Liverpool will try to find the best way to sign him also because they’re aware of Chelsea interest.”
Chelsea are seriously a part of this race following their developments in the Moises Caicedo chase. They did sign Rennes midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu in a £23.5 million deal, but the Ecuadorian remains their priority objective.
Having seen four bids rejected for Caicedo, Chelsea have Lavia in their sights as they did earlier in the window. However, Liverpool may have done plenty of groundwork for the Belgian for Chelsea to have any chance.
However, if things come down to money, Chelsea have shown they can hijack any deal on previous occasions. Liverpool must intensify their pursuit and get a deal with Southampton to secure their main target.
