Liverpool are reportedly closing in on the capture of 19-year-old Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, a target for Chelsea.
According to a report from Foot Mercato, Liverpool are on the verge of signing Romero Lavia despite his links with Chelsea. Southampton value the Belgian midfielder at around €50 million.
The 19-year-old was an impressive performer for Southampton in the Premier League last season, and his performances have attracted the attention of a number of Premier League clubs despite Southampton’s relegation.
Chelsea are also keen on signing a quality defensive midfielder after the departure of N’Golo Kante, and the Belgian is a top target. Recent reports have claimed that the Blues are ready to hijack Liverpool’s move for Lavia.
The former Manchester City midfielder has a clause in his contract which allows him to return to City for a fee of around £40 million next summer. And the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea and hoping to swoop in and secure his services before that.
Liverpool will have to replace Fabinho after the Brazilian midfielder joined Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ittihad. The 19-year-old could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition, and Jurgen Klopp could help him develop further and fulfil his tremendous potential.
The Belgian midfielder will provide physicality and defensive cover in the middle of the park. Liverpool were quite vulnerable defensively last season, and Lavia could do an impressive job shielding in the back four.
Liverpool have already signed the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer. Lavia would complete their midfield for the foreseeable future. It remains to be seen whether Southampton are prepared to accept an offer from Liverpool in the coming days.
The Reds have already had an initial offer rejected for the player, and they are ready to submit a revised proposal for him. The 19-year-old is too good for the Championship, and he will look to return to the top flight as soon as possible. Southampton would ideally want to hold on to their prized prospect.
But they are under pressure to sell the player following their relegation. Liverpool have a proven track record of nurturing talented young players into established stars, and Lavia will fancy his chances of fulfilling his top-class potential with a move to Anfield this summer. For now, they are one step away from signing the Chelsea target.
