Liverpool are pushing hard to secure Romeo Lavia as their top midfield priority, with Chelsea also rumoured to enter the chase.
According to Rudy Galetti, Liverpool are accelerating in their pursuit of Romeo Lavia. The Reds are keen to understand the status of their second bid, as Southampton could return with a counter. Jurgen Klopp wants a deal done fast, with Chelsea also looking to hijack the chase after their Moises Caicedo disappointment.
In light of recent events, the focus is truly on the Romeo Lavia situation as more clubs come into the picture for the Southampton midfielder. The Championship side are leveraging on the demand created in the market and continue to demand £50 million for his sale.
Liverpool have been the most interested team, with Southampton already rejecting two sizeable offers from Jurgen Klopp’s men. The situation for the Merseysiders has accelerated following the departures of Jordan Henderson to Al Ettifaq and Fabinho to Al Ittihad.
Losing the duo has left a sizeable gap for Klopp to fill, and he considers Lavia the ideal candidate for the role, especially that of Fabinho. Liverpool are confident of their chances following their second bid for the £50 million-rated midfielder.
🚨#Liverpool are speeding things up for #Lavia, confirmed.
‼️ Following the farewell of #Fabinho – who will join Al-Ittihad – #LFC are pushing hard, leveraging on the 2nd offer sent.
👀 Also #Chelsea are monitoring the situation of the 🇧🇪 but no talks ongoing with #Southampton. https://t.co/zmaLi7ImI6 pic.twitter.com/WdkwH5ztJL
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 28, 2023
Klopp wants to settle this deal as soon as possible as he knows the possible entry of rivals in the chase. With Arsenal considered one of the toughest competitors for the Belgian, they have somewhat cooled their interest after Mikel Arteta decided on keeping Thomas Partey.
The biggest threat might come from Chelsea, who are facing a tricky situation in their midfielder search. Brighton rejected four offers from the Blues for Moises Caicedo, with the last worth a reported £80 million. The Seagulls are adamant about their £100 million demand, which might see the London side pull out.
Chelsea are reportedly ready to hijack a move for Lavia, as they have done with other players on previous occasions. Liverpool will take the threat seriously and want to accelerate the move and continue negotiating with Southampton over the final fee.
With the latest offer worth £45 million coming the closest to Southampton’s asking price, Liverpool are closer than ever to their primary midfielder target. However, Chelsea or others can also swoop in late to make their presence felt, which could hurt Liverpool right ahead of the season.
