Southampton have rejected Liverpool’s improved bid worth £41 million for 19-year-old target Rome Lavia, with the Reds considering alternatives.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have seen Southampton reject their fresh bid for Romeo Lavia. The new offer was worth a reported £41 million, a stark improvement from their first approach worth £37 million, with the Reds now also considering alternatives.
Since Liverpool entered the Romeo Lavia chase, it felt like the 19-year-old midfielder would join them over any other team. The Merseysiders have been very particular about their transfer targets over the years under Jurgen Klopp. Even for the Southampton star, they have a certain value in mind.
So far, Liverpool had seen their opening bid worth £37 million rejected by the Saints. The Championship side continues to value the 19-year-old at £50 million, something the Merseysiders do not intend to pay. They feel the midfielder does not have the required experience and age to warrant that kind of money.
Personal terms are not an issue with Lavia, something they must have agreed in advance. Hence, after much deliberation, Liverpool came back with a new offer worth £41 million, which was also rejected by the South Coast side. Southampton are adamant about the £50 million price tag and feels confident about it amid growing interest elsewhere.
Manchester United are also interested in Lavia, as they have the time and space to consider a new midfielder. Chelsea are also in the mix following their struggles convincing Brighton for Moises Caicedo. Liverpool are aware of the growing interest, so they accelerated their pursuit and lodged the new offer.
Liverpool might consider alternatives if they cannot convince Southampton to lower their valuations. They already have Fluminense’s Andre in their sights and could make a compelling offer to land the Brazilian.
They must bring reinforcements with the loss of many midfielders this summer. Lavia’s viewed as the ideal candidate to replace Fabinho, who, alongside Jordan Henderson, left for Saudi Arabia. Hence, signing the 19-year-old seems vital for Klopp, but there are doubts about whether they will exceed their valuation of the Belgian.
Hence, the potential deal could have reached its edge. There are question marks whether Liverpool will make another offer shortly. It could open the doors for rivals Chelsea or Manchester United to comply with Southampton’s demands and make their offers.
