Liverpool are keen on having Romeo Lavia in their ranks ahead of next season and are ready to submit their second offer.
According to David Ornstein, Liverpool are not going to give up in their pursuit of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia. The Reds submitted an opening bid worth £37 million yesterday but it was immediately rejected by the Saints who are looking for a total package worth £50 million.
The Merseyside club have decided to once again push for the services of the 19-year-old. The two clubs are still in talks and there is a high possibility of the deal going through according to the report.
Meanwhile, Sacha Tavolieri has suggested that Southampton are looking for at least £40 million in fixed fee and add-ons, similar to Manchester City’s buyback clause that will be valid in 2024. They consider this a favourable and successful business outcome. Fabrizio Romano adds that Liverpool are likely to offer a £45 million package for the talented young midfielder.
Liverpool struggled last season because of an inconsistent midfield and they have already made a lot of changes to their squad. They decided against renewing the contracts of three of their senior midfielders and then went on to sign Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Understand Liverpool new formal bid for Roméo Lavia is almost ready — around £42.5m guaranteed fee plus £2.5m add ons up to total £45m package 🚨🔴
Liverpool want to be fast as Chelsea are still interested in Lavia, keeping close eye. Arsenal gone quiet as Thomas could now stay. pic.twitter.com/Lf9g3eHn4s
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 26, 2023
While it seemed that the majority of the job was done and adding another midfielder would be more than enough, a lot has changed over the past few weeks. Fabinho and Jordan Henderson who were originally in the plans of Jurgen Klopp for next season are all set to leave the club.
Both players have agreed on a move to join Saudi Pro League clubs. Their departure leaves a huge void and signing multiple midfielders is a must for the German manager. And, one of his targets is the 19-year-old Belgian international.
Lavia is a huge prospect for the future and could do wonders for the Reds in the long run. On top of that, he could help them fill the void left by Fabinho. The teenager has exceptional defensive awareness and he will only get better with time.
The Merseyside club are desperate to have him in their ranks and are ready to put forward an improved offer in the near future. Ornstein believes there are high chances that the Reds will manage to strike a deal for his services.
Meanwhile, he has also talked about Chelsea’s interest in the 19-year-old’s services. The Blues are in need of a defensive midfielder and are keeping a close eye on the Saints’ teenage sensation. Similarly, Arsenal were linked with the player earlier in the window as well. However, they have moved to sign Declan Rice now.
